A Study of Lumbar Spinal Canal Using Computerized Axial Tomogram in Korean Adults / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Appreciation of the normal variation of anterior and posterior diameter of the lumbar spinal canal under computerized axial tomogram may throw very important value on the diagnosis and treatment in lumbar spinal problems. The authers have measured the diameter of the lumbar spinal canal using EMI scanner CT 5005. The data was first based on the study of two cadaver lumbar spine and then the study of 268 normal Korean adults male 185, and female 83. The results were summerized as follows. 1. The diameter of the osseous segment was more narrow than articular segment in normal lumbar spinal canal, 2. The shape of lumbar spinal canal was oval in upper lumbar. but became triangular going down to the lower lumbar. There was no difference of diameter in sex. 4. The average diameter of anterior and posterior spinal canal was; L1 16.53± 0.18, L2 16.23± 0.215, L3 15.42± 0.26, L4 15.57± 0.43 and l% 17.7± 1.63mm respectively. 5. The average diameter of transverse spinal canal was; L1 23.31± 0.18, L2 23.76± 0.28, L3 24.78± 0.345, L4 26.07± 0.605 and L5 29.31± 1.19mm respectively. 6. It was more accurate to check out the pathology of the lumbar spinal canal using coinputerized axial tomogram than other method previously used.