Transverse axial tomography of the spine. Part 1: axial anatomy of the normal lumbar spine.

The authors describe the technique of transverse axial tomography of the spine and give a detailed description of the axial anatomy of the normal lumbar spine from L-4 to the sacrum. They demonstrate a specific repetitive pattern of intraosseous and articular segments, and stress the importance of the articular processes in shaping the vertebral canal and the intervertebral foramina. The authors believe axial tomography to be a simple, noninvasive radiological technique that allows cross-sectional visualization of the vertebral canal and articular processes in the living patient.