There is a great controversy as to the exact anatomy of the lumbar nerve roots at the intra and extraforaminal zones. We report an anatomical study of the position of dorsal root ganglia (DRG).
Seventeen human cadavers, aged 49-90 years (average 75.3 years) were studied. After laminectomy and facetectomy at L1 to L5, myelography and radiculography were performed to confirm the anatomy of the nerve roots.
Although most DRG existed at the intraforaminal site, some DRG existed at intraspinal or extraforaminal sites.
Developmental factors play an important role in the location of DRG.
