Skip to content
Epomedicine

Mnemonics, Simplified Concepts & Thoughts

Epomedicine

Mnemonics, Simplified Concepts & Thoughts

Kambin’s Triangle or Prism

Dr. Sulabh Kumar Shrestha, MS Orthopedics, Apr 10, 2025Apr 10, 2025

There is confusion regarding the borders of Kambin’s triangle across the literature.

Kambin originally described the borders of this triangular working zone as:

  1. Anterior: Exiting nerve root
  2. Inferior: Proximal end plate of lower lumbar vertebra
  3. Posterior: Superior articular process of lower vertebra
  4. Medial: Traversing nerve root and dural sac

Though it was named as a “triangle” it was described with 4 borders with 2 triangles (in AP view and Lateral view) which gives a 3D structure more appropriately a “prism”.

Kambin's triangle AP view
Biswas, Rajasree & Choudhury, Arpita & Bhattacharya, Dipasri & Nandy, Sabyasachi. (2021). A comparative evaluation of kambin’s triangle approach versus safe triangle approach for lumbar transforaminal epidural injection in patients with lumbar radiculopathy – A prospective, randomized, double blind study. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences. 12. 41-47. 10.3126/ajms.v12i8.36339. [CC BY 4.0]
Kambin's triangle lateral view
Waguia R, Gupta N, Gamel KL, Ukachukwu A. Current and Future Applications of the Kambin’s Triangle in Lumbar Spine Surgery. Cureus. 2022 Jun 6;14(6):e25686. doi: 10.7759/cureus.25686. PMID: 35812644; PMCID: PMC9259071. [CC BY 3.0]

Uses of Kambin’s triangle:

Kambin’s triangle is regarded as a “safe” space because it is devoid of important neurovascular structures. It is an anatomical corridor useful in:

  1. Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection (TFESI)
  2. Diagnostic discograms
  3. Access disc space in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF)
  4. Access disc space in Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD)

Reference: Kambin’s triangle: definition and new classification schema in: Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine Volume 32 Issue 3 (2019) Journals

dr. sulabh kumar shrestha
Dr. Sulabh Kumar Shrestha, MS Orthopedics

He is the section editor of Orthopedics in Epomedicine. He searches for and share simpler ways to make complicated medical topics simple. He also loves writing poetry, listening and playing music. He is currently pursuing Fellowship in Hip, Pelvi-acetabulum and Arthroplasty at B&B Hospital.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS AnatomyAnesthesiaNervous systemOrthopedics

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Related Posts

PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS cardiac impulse spread

Physiology of Conducting System of Heart

Jul 12, 2018Aug 10, 2023

Origin and Spread of Cardiac Impulse Mnemonic: SAIL MRS. SAVE APPS 1. SA node (generates impulse at highest rate, i.e. 70-80/min) 3 Internodal pathways: 2. AV node Bundle of His 3. Interventricular septum – Left 4. Midportion Right Septal activation Purkinje System 5. Septum (upper to lower) – purkinje system…

Read More
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS men syndrome

MEN syndrome : Mnemonics

Feb 17, 2017May 21, 2024

MEN syndrome is an autosomal dominant (AD) predisposition to developing multiple endocrine tumors. Mnemonic: MEN are Dominant. Points to remember: MEN I or MEN 1 (Wermer’s syndrome) Mnemonic: 3 X P’s MEN IIA or MEN 2A (Sipple’s syndrome) Mnemonic: 3 X C’s MEN IIB or 2B (MEN III) Mnemonic: 2C 2M…

Read More
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS hyperkalemia ecg

Hyperkalemia Management – Mnemonic Approach

Oct 24, 2020Oct 24, 2020

Mnemonic: C BIG K D Calcium gluconate (Cardiac stabilizer) It is generally accepted that calcium should be given when there are ECG changes associated with hyperkalaemia. Calcium gluconate 10% 10-30 ml IV (1-3 gm) over 5-10 minutes (Can be repeated after 5 minutes if ECG changes persistent) 0.5 ml/kg in…

Read More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Shrestha SK. Kambin’s Triangle or Prism [Internet]. Epomedicine; 2025 Apr 10 [cited 2026 Jun 23]. Available from: https://epomedicine.com/medical-students/kambins-triangle-or-prism/.

Pre-clinical (Basic Sciences)

Anatomy

Biochemistry

Community medicine (PSM)

Embryology

Microbiology

Pathology

Pharmacology

Physiology

Clinical Sciences

Anesthesia

Dermatology

Emergency medicine

Forensic

Internal medicine

Gynecology & Obstetrics

Oncology

Ophthalmology

Orthopedics

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Pediatrics

Psychiatry

Radiology

Surgery

RSS Ask Epomedicine

  • What to study for Clinical examination in Orthopedics?
  • What is the mechanism of AVNRT?

Epomedicine weekly

  • About Epomedicine
  • Contact Us
  • Author Guidelines
  • Submit Article
  • Editorial Board
  • USMLE
  • MRCS
  • Thesis
©2026 Epomedicine | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes