Three-dimensional anatomical morphological classification and clinical significance of lumbar foraminoplasty target area

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.1.01

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (1) : 1-8. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.1.01

Three-dimensional anatomical morphological classification and clinical significance of lumbar foraminoplasty target area

Liu Honglin¹, Hu Yuxiang¹, Huang Chengyu¹, Gao Zibo¹, Xiao Yang¹, Su Yuhang¹, Zhao Qianhao⁶, Zhou Xianxi⁵, Liu Xiaosheng⁵, Zeng Xiaolong^1,2, Qi Ji^1,2,4, Lin Dingkun^1,2, Ma Chunmei^5,6*, Li Yongjin^1,2,3*

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Abstract

Objective To investigate the three-dimensional morphological classification of lumbar foraminoplasty target area and their clinical significance, providing an anatomical basis for precise foraminoplasty in transforaminal endoscopic lumbar discectomy. Methods A total of 122 lumbar superior articular processes were selected, and foraminoplasty target area was reconstructed using high-precision three-dimensional scanning technology. Linear parameters of the target area were measured: AB (distance from the ventral side of the superior articular process to the posterior edge of the vertebral body), CD (distance from the base of the superior articular process to the superior endplate), EF (pedicle width), and R1 (AB/CD ratio). Anatomical classification of foraminoplasty target area was performed based on morphological characteristics, and the three-dimensional volume and articular surface area of the target area were measured. Results Foraminoplasty target area was divided into three morphological types: Type I (trapezoid-like type, 50%), Type II (narrow-columnar type, 32%), and Type III (hilly-shaped type, 18%). Type I had the longest AB, moderate R1 ratio, and largest volume. Type II had the shortest AB, widest EF, and lowest R1 ratio. Type III had the shortest CD, smallest articular surface area, and highest R1 ratio. Significant differences in parameters were observed among three types (P<0.05). Conclusions The morphology of target area for lumbar transforaminal foraminoplasty can be divided into three types, with type I being the most common. Multi-dimensional parameters can quantify the spatial characteristics and biomechanical potential of target area, which has certain clinical reference significance for precise transforaminal foraminoplasty.

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Lumbar vertebra / / / Superior articular process / / Foraminoplasty / / / Applied anatomy / / / Classification

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Liu Honglin, Hu Yuxiang, Huang Chengyu, Gao Zibo, Xiao Yang, Su Yuhang, Zhao Qianhao, Zhou Xianxi, Liu Xiaosheng, Zeng Xiaolong, Qi Ji, Lin Dingkun, Ma Chunmei, Li Yongjin. Three-dimensional anatomical morphological classification and clinical significance of lumbar foraminoplasty target area[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(1): 1-8 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.1.01

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