Measurement of transverse and sagittal diameter of the lumbar vertebral canal in people from Western region of Nepal

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Size of the canal diameter is one among several factors responsible for lumbar canal stenosis. The study aims to measure the transverse and sagittal diameter of the lumbar vertebral canal in people from Western region of Nepal and compare with the published results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty young patients (24 males and 26 females) complaining of LBP were done X-ray of lumbar spine in Antero- Posterior (AP)/ Lateral in supine views. From the images, midsagittal (AP) dimensions, transverse (interpedicular) distances and width of vertebral body were measured at each level with the help of electronic calipers. RESULTS: The mean transverse diameter of lumbar canal ranged from 24.8 mm at L1 to 33.25 mm at L5. This gradual increase in the transverse diameter from L1 to L5 was statistically significant. Measurement of lumbar vertebral width ranged from 41.37 mm at L1 and 52.96 mm at L5. There was gradual increase in the size from L1 to L5. But the measurement of AP distance showed a gradual decrease in diameter from L 1 to L 5. The decrease in the AP diameter from L 1 to L2 and Canal body ratio was not constant at all levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our hospital based data showed that the patients from western region of Nepal have smaller canal size. Therefore, the patients from western region of Nepal may be more prone to develop spinal canal stenosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijim.v2i2.8323 Int J Infect Microbiol 2013;2(2):55-58