A cadaveric study of the anatomical variations of the lumbar plexus with clinical implications

• Main Authors: Nontasaen P., Das S., Nisung C., Sinthubua A., Mahakkanukrauh P.
• Format: Journal
• Published: 2017
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84969988679&origin=inward; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/jspui/handle/6653943832/41827
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

© 2016 Anatomical Society of India Introduction The main objective was to study the normal and abnormal lumbar plexus. Material and methods We analyzed 131 lumbar plexuses from 68 embalmed cadavers at the Cadaveric Surgical Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University in the period between April 2012 and June 2013. Morphometric measurements were taken. Results The lumbar plexus was located within psoas major muscle (100.0%). The iliohypogastric nerve originated from the ventral rami of L 1 (96.5%) followed by the ilioinguinal nerve (90.1%). The genitofemoral nerves originated from the ventral rami of L 1 and L 2 (98.5%). The lateral femoral cutaneous nerves (LFCN) originated from the ventral rami of L 2 and L 3 (84.0%). The femoral and obturator nerves originated from ventral rami of L 2 –L 3 –L 4 (100.0%). The distance between the origin of LFCN to L 3 transverse process was at an average 1.96 ± 0.67 cm. The distance from nerve to L 4 transverse process was above L 3 and between L 3 and L 4 transverse process at an average 2.8 ± 1.63 cm. The distance between femoral nerve to L 3 and L 4 transverse process was inferior to L 4 transverse process at an average of 5.13 ± 2.18 cm and 2.53 ± 2.26 cm, respectively. The distance between obturator nerve to L 3 and L 4 transverse process was found inferior to L 4 transverse process at an average 5.42 ± 1.73 cm and 2.75 ± 1.75 cm, respectively. Discussion The knowledge of anatomical variations of LP may be important for administration of local anaesthetic agents and avoid any inadvertent injuries.