Evaluation of the origin and branching patterns of the iliolumbar artery and its implications on pelvic and vertebral surgery

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the origin, distribution pattern, branches, and neighboring structures of the iliolumbar artery (ILA) concerning the anterolateral surgical approaches to the spine. METHODS: This study was performed in the Anatomy Department of Medical School, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey between 2014 and 2015. Pelvises of 11 male formalin-fixed human cadavers were dissected by anterior and posterior approaches under surgical microscope. The origins, distribution patterns, calibers, and distances to certain structures were measured. RESULTS: The ILA was found as a single trunk on 17 sides arising either from the IIA (12 sides, 70.6%) or the PT (5 sides, 29.4%). The average caliber of those originated from the posterior trunk was significantly larger (p=0.010). The ILA started as a single trunk in 17 sides, while its lumbar and iliac branches separately originating from different arteries in 4 sides. The close relation of the posterior rami of both the lumbar and iliac branches with transverse process and spinal nerve were noted. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that the ILA and its branches may have different and significant patterns, which may be crucial to consider during certain surgical procedures, such as far lateral disc herniation and posterior pelvic fixations.