Anatomical Evaluation Of Lumbar Vertebral Canal In Indian Population

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Low backache is one of the most common symptoms of lumbar canal stenosis and it developed aninterest among anatomists to do osteological analysis of lumbar canal. The aim of the current study was tocreate the morphometric database of lumbar canal dimensions in context of its applied clinical implications.Materials and Methods: A dry bone study was carried out on 47 adult human lumbar vertebral sets obtained fromvarious medical colleges in Pune District of Maharashtra. Anteroposterior (LCAP) and transverse (LCT) diametersof lumbar canal were measured by ‘Digital Vernier Caliper with 0.01 mm precision’. The data analysis was donein SPSS Version 20 and ‘ANOVA’ test was applied to evaluate statistical differences.Results: Lumbar canal antero-posterior (LCAP) diameters decreased from L1 to L5 vertebrae whereas there wasgradual increase in Lumbar canal transverse (LCT) diameter from first to fifth lumbar vertebra.Conclusion: The present study reported statistically significant differences in the dimensions of lumbar canal ofL1 to L5 in Indian population. This morphometric baseline data can be utilized in surgical management of lowback pain as a result of lumbar canal stenosis.