Abstract
BackgroundThe prevalence of cervical canal stenosis alone is estimated to be present in 4.9% of the adult population. Co-existence of dual pathology may complicate clinical presentation and necessitates a wise and individually based decision process.ObjectivesTo estimate the co-existence of cervical canal stenosis in surgical lumbar canal stenosis patients and its reflection on decision-making regarding surgery.MethodsIt is a prospective study that was conducted on 70 cases with symptomatic lumbar canal stenosis by investigating them for cervical canal stenosis clinically and radiologically.ResultsThe co-existence of cervical and lumbar canal stenoses was seen in 62 cases (88.57%); cases with relative cervical stenosis were 25 (35.714%) and absolute cervical stenosis was 37 (52.857%). Cases with no cervical stenosis were 8 (11.428%) and cases with relative lumbar stenosis were 22 (31.428%), while cases with absolute lumbar stenosis were 48 (68.571%). Cases with symptomatic cervical canal stenosis were 30 (42.857%). Cases with asymptomtic cervical canal stenosis were 32 (45.71%).ConclusionTandem spinal stenosis (TSS) is not uncommon and MRI cervical spine should be done for every lumbar canal stenosis patient especially if indicated by history or clinical examination.
Highlights
Cervical stenosis can occur concomitantly with lumbar stenosis
Tandem spinal stenosis (TSS) is not uncommon and MRI cervical spine should be done for every lumbar canal stenosis patient especially if indicated by history or clinical examination
Seventy patients with lumbar canal stenosis indicated for surgery were admitted to the outpatient clinic for investigating cervical spine pathology by both clinical and radiological examination through performing cervical spine magnetic resonance (MR) imaging
Summary
Cervical stenosis can occur concomitantly with lumbar stenosis. Whether symptomatic or asymptomatic cervical stenosis, the decision should be weighed wisely in the presence of disabling symptomatic lumbar stenosis [2]. Severe cervical stenosis can be completely asymptomatic and called “silent stenosis” [4, 5]. This should be known well, as reports of complete paralysis and post-operative non-relevant neurological disorder of cervical origin were published previously [6, 7]. Co-existence of dual pathology may complicate clinical presentation and necessitates a wise and individually based decision process
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