Spinal canal diameter in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis

Abstract

IntroductionLumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is defined as reduced spinal canal diameter either due to osseous changes in the bony components of a vertebra or due to changes in the associated soft tissue structures. The purpose of the study was to determine changes in vertebral body morphometry and diameters of osseous lumbar spinal canal with age to categorize it as degenerative spinal stenosis. Materials and methodsA pre-defined low back pain questionnaire, clinical signs and symptoms were used to select individuals within age range of 20–80 years. The selected individuals were grouped into two categories of Asymptomatic (Group I) and Symptomatic (Group II) and taken up for MRI scan of lumbar spine. Group I included 57 healthy subjects with no degenerative findings of lumbar spine and Group II had 43 patients with positive evidences of degeneration at lower lumbar levels. Each group was further subdivided into young (20–39yrs), middle (40–59yrs) and old (60–80yrs) age subgroups. Vertebral canal diameters and vertebral body morphometry were compared within and between the groups. Relationship of observed parameters with age was analysed using SPSS analysis tool. ResultsThe spinal canal diameters and vertebral body height (except at L3) were significantly lower in Group II at observed vertebral levels. The antero-posterior diameter, which is categorically used to define LSS, was not associated with age in both the groups. DiscussionDegenerative spinal stenosis suggests changes should occur with advancing age but no significant association of spinal canal diameters with age was evident in our study.