The intervertebral foramen is a paired opening, each of which is formed by two adjacent vertebrae. The spinal nerves exit through the intervertebral foramina.
Anatomy
Boundaries
Anteriorly, the intervertebral foramina are bounded by the Intervertebral disc and the Vertebral body, and posteriorly by the superior articular process of the inferior vertebra. Superiorly, they are bounded by the inferior vertebral notch of the superior vertebra, and inferiorly by the superior vertebral notch.
Imaging
Clinical relevance
Narrowing of the intervertebral foramen, for example due to a cyst, herniated disc, or degenerative changes, can lead to compression of the exiting nerve root. Isolated narrowing of the intervertebral foramen is also referred to clinically as Neuroforaminal stenosis.