An Extensive Literature Review of the Lumbar Multifidus: Anatomy

Abstract

Men and women with isolated osteoarthritis of the disc L5/S1 (excluding transitional anomalies) were compared against a corresponding group of healthy volunteers to see whether there is any geometric or statistical evidence that might constitute predisposing factors for isolated osteoarthritis of the disc L5/ S1. Arithmetic means, variances, standard deviations, and correlation coefficients were calculated for all the characteristics determined for the two groups. Multiple linear discriminant analysis was used to try to reproduce any classifications or groupings of the characteristic bearers on the basis of their characteristics. It was found that the position of the sacrum in the pelvis and the extent of lumbar lordosis are major predictors for isolated osteoarthritis of the discs L5/S1. To detect a predisposition for isolated osteoarthritis L5/S1, it is thus necessary to evaluate the position of the sacrum with regard to the pelvis and the degree of lumbar lordosis (excluding that of the fifth lumbar vertebra) in the angle system. This evaluation can be performed by measuring the dorsal inclination of the sacrum (the delta angle) and the Albrecht inclination.