Anatomical Study of Lumbar Spinal Canal Diameter on MRI to Assess Spinal Canal Stenosis.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Lumbar canal stenosis occurs due to narrowing of spinal canal diameter and is usually diagnosed by MRI. Aims and Objectives of the study To study and compare the lumbar canal diameters (Antero Posterior) and Cross sectional areas in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with Lumbar canal stenosis diagnosed using MRI. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective observational study. A total of 100 patients were subjected to MRI and canal diameters were measured. Among them 60 patients were symptomatic with low back pain and 40 patients were asymptomatic without any back pain. Fifty five patients were males and 45 were females. Majority (31%) were in the age group of 20-30 years. Results: In symptomatic cases, 41 (68%) cases were stenosed. Stenosis at all the three levels was seen in 5 (12%) cases. At L3-L4, L4- L5 stenosis was seen in 6 (14%) cases, L4-L5, L5-S1 stenosis was seen in 22(53%) cases, L3- L4, L5-S1 stenosis was seen in 8(19%) cases. In asymptomatic cases, stenosis at all the three levels was seen in 5 (13%) cases and at L4-L5; L5-S1 stenosis was seen in 5(12.5%) cases, L3-L4, L5-S1stenosis was seen in 2(5%) cases. Conclusion: Even in symptomatic Patients, normal diameter of the spinal canal was noticed in 19 (32%) cases. Even in asymptomatic cases canal narrowing was noticed. Most of the symptomatic cases had normal Cross sectional area. Detailed history and clinical examination of the patient along with the radiological investigation of stenosis with MRI scan, will establish the diagnosis.