Lumbar spinal stenosis and morphometry of lumbar vertebral canal

Abstract

IntroductionLumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a progressive degenerative process manifesting as low back pain. Though the causes for pain in lower lumbar region are multi-factorial, narrowing of vertebral canal has been documented to play a pivotal role. Hence, the objective of present study was to define the morphometry of lumbar canal by measuring the antero-posterior (AP) and transverse (TD) diameters and assess the prevalence of LSS in Indian population. Materials and methodsAn assessment by CT scan was done on 100 subjects within age range of 20–70 years after grouping them into healthy and symptomatic subjects based on a pre-defined questionnaire. The diameters were defined and compared amongst healthy and symptomatic subjects. The data was used to define prevalence of LSS in the population of Delhi-NCR. ResultsThe antero-posterior diameter was smaller in females as compared to males while transverse diameter was smaller in males as compared to females. In both the study groups, the diameters were comparable and statistically significant. The prevalence of LSS was maximum in middle age group individuals with L5 vertebral level showing highest frequency of a narrow canal. LSS was seen in higher frequency in females than males. DiscussionAn early diagnosis and proper treatment of LSS may prevent intractable pain with its inherent neurogenic sequelae. All pain-physicians, neurologists, and neurosurgeons should be aware of antero-posterior and transverse diameters of canal for better prognosis.