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Introduction: The fusion of Lumbar Spinous Processes (LSP) of adjacent vertebrae may lead to errors in determining the correct spinal level. This may result in wrong level spinal surgeries around the lumbar region. Aim: To determine the prevalence of fusion between adjacent LSP. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective observational study done in the Department of Anatomy, Smt. B.K. Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre, Vadodara, Gujarat, India. The present study had examined the lumbar spines in 30 formalin preserved cadavers. The fusion between the LSP of adjacent vertebrae was recorded after the removal of soft tissue from L1 to S1 vertebrae. Results: The present study found the fusion between the adjacent LSP in 11 (36.67%) cadavers (08 males; 03 females). The fusion between the adjacent LSP, from L4 to S1 vertebrae, was found in 10% of cadavers and was the most common pattern. The fusion between the adjacent LSP was more common in males (53.3%) compared to females (20%). Conclusion: The occurrence of fusion between the adjacent LSP is not uncommon.

Introduction: The incidence of lumbar nerve root compression and surgeries for its treatment like laminectomy, laminotomies are increasing. Similarly, intralaminar screw insertion and use of laminar hooks for stabilization is also gaining popularity. The dimensions of lumbar lamina are of importance for designing of lumbar spinal implants used. Method: The present study was under taken to measure vertical height of lumbar lamina and width of lumbar vertebral canal in cadavers. Lumbar spine was exposed from posterior midline approach in 20 formalin preserved cadavers. The dimensions of lumbar lamina L1 to L5 were recorded with the help of Digital Vernier Caliper after removal of soft tissue from the vertebrae. The data was analyzed using SPSS software version 23. Result: Range of transverse width of vertebral canal of L1 and L2 was 14-23 mm. It gradually reduces in L3, L4 and L5 (12-21 mm). There was no significant difference in width of vertebral canal between Male and female. Mean height of lamina at junction with transverse process at L2 was (25.7±2.8mm) which reduced from L3, L4 and was lowest in L5 (20.8±2). Mean height of lamina at junction with Spinous process increased from L1 to L2 (27.55±3.3) and decreased from L3, L4 and L5 being smallest (24.3±2.7). The gender, right and left differences for the dimensions of lumbar vertebral lamina were statistically insignificant. In 35 percent cases the spinous processes were fused which was an accidental finding. Conclusion: The data so collected will be of great significance for spinal surgeons and for designing of implant around this region.

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