Lumbar canal stenosis clinico-radiological evaluation and management

ABSTRACT

A clinico radiological study conducted on 50 patients including 25 cases of lumbar canal stenosis and 25 cases of frank lumbar disc herniation, is presented. The various causes of lumbar canal stenosis are reviewed. Cases of frank disc herniation is only included for comparison. Radiological study conducted on 50 normal [control] individuals for measurement of normal dimension of the spinal canal. Spinal stenosis is more common in males, predominantly in the sixth decade of life. The patient may present either with claudicant or sciatic type. Evaluation of canal to body ratio, using plain radiography of lumbosacral spine, based on Jones and Thomson technique and radiculography were found, very useful in diagnosing spinal canal pathology pre-operatively. Of various causes, it was found that degenerative stenosis is a major cause of lumber canal stenosis in Basrah. Extensive decompression laminactomy in appropriately selected cases, yielded satisfactory results: