Dimensions of bony Kambin's triangle pertaining to endoscopic procedure

Background

Endoscopic procedures nowadays are successful, minimally invasive, and safer, with fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications and shorter hospital stays. Kambin's triangle (KT) is the three-dimensional configuration that is used as a transforaminal anatomical corridor for epidural steroid injections and endoscopic surgeries for various lumbar pathologies. This study aims to estimate the dimensions of KT and diameter of the cannula for the transforaminal surgical approaches using KT in the Chhattisgarh population.

Methods

Seven human cadavers (three males and four females) were included in the study for observing KT. Dissection was done to carefully clear landmarks, including the vertebral bodies, intervertebral disc, exiting nerve root, and superior articular process. Base (a horizontal plane passing through the superior border of the caudal vertebra) and height (along the superior articular process of the inferior vertebra in line with the articular facet) were measured. Hypotenuse, semiperimeter of the triangle, area of triangle, diameter, and area of the inscribed circle were calculated.

Results

Height, base, and inscribed circle diameter increased from L1-L2 to L4-L5 then decreased to L5-S1. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females. The safest admissible cannula diameter according to the current study that can be used at all levels in KT was 6.06 mm.

Conclusion

This study provides the safest cannula size to be considered in the patients of the Chhattisgarh population during transforaminal approaches in the lumbar area. Minimally invasive surgery and shorter hospitalization are vital criteria to evaluate any surgery these days.