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Multifidus muscles

The multifidus muscles are a group of deep paraspinal muscles that run along the vertebral column, providing essential support and stabilization to the spine. These muscles are vital for posture and fine-tuned movements of the vertebral column. Dysfunction or atrophy of the multifidus is often linked with chronic low back pain and spinal instability.

Synonyms

  • Multifidi (plural)

  • Multifidus lumborum (lumbar region)

  • Spinal multifidus muscles

Function

  • Stabilization of vertebral column during movement

  • Extension of the spine

  • Lateral flexion and rotation of the vertebral column to the opposite side

  • Proprioceptive feedback for postural control

Origin

  • Sacrum (posterior surface)

  • Erector spinae aponeurosis

  • Posterior superior iliac spine (PSIS)

  • Mammillary processes of lumbar vertebrae

  • Transverse processes of thoracic vertebrae

  • Articular processes of C4–C7 cervical vertebrae

Insertion

  • Spinous processes of vertebrae located 2–4 segments superior to the origin

Nerve Supply

  • Dorsal rami of spinal nerves (segmentally)

Artery Supply

  • Lumbar arteries

  • Posterior branches of intercostal arteries

  • Deep cervical arteries (cervical region)

Vein Supply

  • Lumbar veins

  • Posterior branches of intercostal veins

  • Deep cervical veins (cervical region)

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted images: Multifidus muscle appears as intermediate-to-low signal intensity, distinct from higher signal intensity of subcutaneous and epidural fat

  • T2-weighted images: Normal muscle demonstrates relatively low signal intensity, but increased signal may indicate edema or pathology. 

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery): Hyperintense signal (bright) in cases of edema, muscle injury, or inflammation; normal muscle appears with low signal

CT Appearance

  • Multifidus appears as well-defined, symmetrical muscle bundles lateral to the spinous processes

  • Normal muscle shows uniform soft tissue density

MRI image of cervical spine

Multifidus Muscle mri axial image

CT image of thoracic spine

Multifidus muscle anatomy ct axial image -img-00000-00000

MRI image of lumbar spine

Multifidus muscle MRI axial anatomy image-img-00000-00000

CT image of lumbar spine

Multifidus muscle CT axial anatomy image-img-00000-00000