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Posterior Spinal Arteries

arteriae spinales posteriores

The posterior spinal arteries are paired longitudinal vessels descending on the posterolateral surface of the spinal cord, one on each side of the posterior nerve root entry zone. They originate from the posterior inferior cerebellar arteries or directly from the vertebral arteries at the craniovertebral junction and are reinforced by posterior radicular arteries at multiple segmental levels. They supply the posterior columns and the posterior horn of the spinal cord.

Region: Lower Back

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Posterior spinal artery syndrome, far less common than anterior spinal artery syndrome, produces loss of proprioception, vibration, and discriminative touch below the level of injury with preserved motor function and pain/temperature sensation — a pure posterior column syndrome. Causes include posterior cord watershed ischaemia, decompression sickness (bubble emboli), and posterior cord compression. Posterior spinal artery supply is more diffuse and collateral-rich than the single anterior spinal artery, making pure posterior cord infarction unusual.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Posterior Cord Syndrome from Posterior Spinal Artery Ischaemia

Posterior spinal artery territory infarction produces loss of posterior column function with bilateral proprioceptive and vibration loss below the level, preserved motor power and pain sensation, presenting as profound sensory ataxia and loss of position sense managed by treating the underlying vascular cause.