title: The discectomy membrane (nerve root fibrovascular membrane): its anatomic description and its surgical importance.
abstract: The positive identification and protection of the nerve root is crucial prior to addressing the disc during lumbar discectomy. We report here our observation that there exists a membrane which lies immediately posterior to the annulus fibrosus at the level of the disc and connects to the dura of the nerve root at that level. This is a constant anatomic finding during the approach to the disc, and we refer to it as the "discectomy membrane". We found this tissue present at all lumbar levels of five fresh frozen cadaver spines. Its consistency varied from thin wisps of nearly transparent tissue to tissue strong enough to tether the nerve root laterally.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Yaszemski
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000601:surgery*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D008022:Ligaments / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D008566:Membranes / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008875:Middle Aged; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000293:injuries