The lateral recess is a groove along the pedicle in the spine, through which the nerve root passes directly proximal to its exit into the Intervertebral foramen.
Anatomy
The lateral recess is anatomically bounded as follows[^1]:
Anterior: Vertebral body
Lateral: Pedicle
Posterior: Superior articular processes of the underlying Vertebral body
Clinical relevance
Narrowing of the lateral recess can lead to clinically significant Lateral recess stenosis, which can cause radicular pain radiating in patients.