ABSTRACT
Objectives: To study the pattern and changes of lumbar intervertebral foraminal width in asymptomatic Jordanian sample in relation to age, sex and level
Methods: A total of 153 asymptomatic patients [87 males and 66 females] were selected during the study period between June 1999 to June 2000, at Jordan University Hospital and Faculty of medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. Measurements of intervertebral foraminal width at all lumbar levels were done on parasagittal magnetic resonance images. Values were analyzed and significant differences in the means of foraminal width at different levels in every age group and among age groups were determined
Results: The mean foraminal width measured was 10.2 + 0.9mm with a range of 8.5 - 12.4mm. As related to level, values increased in both genders to reach their maximum at L2/3 and L3/4 especially in older age groups. As related to age, foraminal widths in females increased significantly only at L3/4 and L4/5 and reached their maximum values in the 6[th] decade followed by a general decrease especially at upper lumbar levels. In males, foramina] widths exhibited a significant decrease up to the 5[th] decade at upper lumbar levels
Conclusion: As an entirety, the presented baseline data of lumbar FW and FH can serve as a reference for future studies on normal and degenerative spine and is essential to identify Jordanian population at risk of lumbar nerve root entrapment. It may also provide clinicians with a fundamental channel for refining the excellence of their diagnosis and management