Diameter Of Spinal Canal Research Articles

Response to "Comment on Comparison between the coronal diameters of the cervical spinal canal and spinal cord measured using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in Korean patients".

Response to "Comment on Comparison between the coronal diameters of the cervical spinal canal and spinal cord measured using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in Korean patients".

A Prospective Observational Study on Lumbar Spinal Canal Diameter, Vertebral Body Width and Pedicle Width and Height Measured in Plain X-Rays of Lumbar Spine in Normal Nepalese Adults

Introduction: Determining the lumbar spinal canal diameter and the horizontal and vertical diameter of lumbar pedicles by using plain x-ray in different age groups, sex and ethnic groups in adult Nepalese population will simplify the transpedicular procedures in our country and can aid in making early diagnosis in persons who have lower diameters of lumbar spinal canal. Methods: The present study was conducted on 195 adult lumbar spine X-rays in the Department of Orthopedics of Civil Service Hospital. antero-posterior and lateral radiographs of lumbar spine were taken and the measurements were made for the coronal bony canal, vertebral body width and pedicle width using Vernier calipers and recorded values to the nearest tenth of a millimeter. Results: This study included 195 patients, the age range was 18 to 45 years, out of them 111 (56.9%) were male and 84 (43.1%) were female. Mean values for interpedicular distance, coronal and vertebral body width was increasing from L1 to L5 at each vertebral level. The observations showed that there is always an increase in width of lumbar pedicles proceeding from L1 to L5 levels and the width being maximum at L5 level. The observations also showed that the height of lumbar pedicles decreases as we move from L3 to L5 levels. The values obtained were compared with previous literatures, which showed similar pattern with the values of Indian population studies as compared to western population may be due to the fact that various socioeconomic, cultural and structural similarities between Nepalese and Indian population. Conclusion: Figures obtained for this population differ from other previous reports and appears to be subject to individual and racial variations. These lumbar canal and pedicle diameter of our study are similar to the measurement in the Indian population; the radiological criteria of spinal canal stenosis could be identical between these two populations.

Long-term results and predictors of postoperative outcomes in patients with cauda equina syndrome following degenerative lumbar spine disease

To evaluate long-term postoperative results and predictors of clinical and neurological outcomes in patients with CES caused by degenerative lumbar spine disease. Ecompressive and decompressive-stabilizing procedures were performed in 211 patients with CES caused by degenerative lumbar spine disease between 2000 and 2020. Long-term clinical parameters were available in 174 patients with mean follow-up period of 7 years. Sixty-eight patients had unsatisfactory postoperative outcomes. We assessed postoperative clinical and neurological outcomes in patients with CES and predictors of these outcomes. We identified the following predictors of clinical and neurological outcomes using binary logistic regression model: period between clinical manifestation and surgery >48 hours, preoperative neurological impairment, spinal canal diameter, surgical procedure, dimension of herniated disc, ASA score and long-term postoperative analgesia with narcotic analgesics. Preoperative planning and possible correction of the above-mentioned risk factors will potentially improve postoperative outcomes in patients with CES caused by degenerative lumbar spine disease.

Integrative Ayurveda approach to manage Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM)-A Case Report

Cervical myelopathy involves compression of spinal cord caused by degenerative process of cervical vertebrae or due to trauma. Cervical myelopathy is characterized by pain, stiffness in cervical region and tingling sensation in both upper and lower limb, clumsiness of hands, weakness and difficulty in handling small objects. Available treatment modalities are NSAID’s, Steroids, physiotherapy and cervical support for pain management. Surgery is necessary if conservative treatment fails. In Ayurveda some Para surgical modalities are used to treat this condition like Agnikarma and Raktamokshan along with Shaman Aushadhi. In this case study a 39 years old male patient came to outdoor patient department with complaints of neck pain, neck stiffness and tingling sensation in upper limbs while heaviness and weakness in both upper and lower limbs for last 4 months and especially tingling of upper limb during extension of neck. Patient have alleged history of weight fallen on head in flexed position of neck before 4 months. This case was managed with 4 sittings of Agnikarma with 7 days interval between each sitting and 2 sittings of wet cupping with 15 days interval along with Rasna Saptak Kwath, Erandamula Kwatha, Navjivan Rasa, Ashwagandha Arishta, Karpasasthyadi Taila for 3 months. Patient got relief from symptoms as well as improved routine life with increased in spinal canal diameter at C3-C4 level. This single case demonstrates that TCM can be managed by Ayurveda para surgical procedures along with adjuvant drugs.

Morphometric Study of Lumbar Spinal Canal Dimensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina Population.

The lumbar spinal canal consists of 5 interconnected lumbar vertebrae through which the final part of the spinal cord passes and the lumbar and sacral spinal nerves that form the cauda equina. The lumbar canal stenosis can directly affect neurological symptoms and pain in the lumbar region and lower extremities. Due to the frequency of such symptoms, lumbar stenosis has been the subject of research around the world. The objective of this study was to measure, analyze and compare the mediosagital and interpeduncular diameters of the lumbar spinal canal in the population of Bosnia and Herzegovina to other populations around the world. We conducted a retrospective descriptive study on patients (n=200) who underwent Multi-slice computer tomography (MSCT) performed on a 40-slice CT scanner (Siemens Somatom Definition AS) for lumbar pain between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. Age, gender, midsagittal (MSG) and interpeduncular (IP) diameters of the lumbar spine were recorded for each patient. Results of our study show that the largest MSG diameter is at L1 level for both sexes, with an average length of 19,06mm, and the smallest at L3 level, with an average length of 16,66mm. Our study shows that the MSG diameter is significantly larger in females than males on all levels from L1 to L5. In both sexes, MSG diameter shows the form of an hourglass with narrowing at L3 level. IPD is largest at L5 level for both sexes, with an average length of 31,94mm, and the smallest average length at L1 level, at 24,78mm. IPD diameter is significantly larger in males than females on all levels from L1 to L5. IPD shows a tendency of growth from L1 to L5 in both sexes. There were significant differences in the dimensions of the lumbar spine canal between female and male patients. We found significant difference in MSG and IP diameters measurements between Bosnian and Herzegovinian population compared to other populations. The dimensions of the lumbar canal provide a baseline of normative data for the evaluation of patients presenting with lower back pain and lumbar canal stenosis in study population.

Influence of clinical and radiological parameters on the likelihood of neurological improvement after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy.

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is routinely treated with surgical decompression, but disparate postoperative outcomes are frequently observed, ranging from complete neurological recovery to persistent decline. Although numerous clinical and radiological factors have been independently associated with failure to improve, the relative impact of these proposed risk factors remains obscure. In this study, the authors assess the combined role of clinical and radiographic parameters in contributing to failure to attain neurological improvement after surgery. A consecutive series of patients who underwent surgery for DCM between July 2013 and August 2018 at a single institution was identified from a prospectively maintained database. Retrospective chart review was undertaken to record perioperative clinical and radiographic parameters. Failure to improve on the last follow-up evaluation after surgery, defined as a change in modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score less than 2, was the primary outcome in univariate and multivariate analyses. The authors included 183 patients in the final cohort. In total, 109 (59.6%) patients improved (i.e., responders with ΔmJOA score ≥ 2) after surgery and 74 (40.4%) were nonresponders with ΔmJOA score < 2. Baseline demographic variables and comorbidity rates were similar, whereas baseline Nurick score was the only clinical variable that differed between responders and nonresponders (2.7 vs 3.0, p = 0.02). In contrast, several preoperative radiographic variables differed between the groups, including presence and degree of cervical kyphosis, number of levels with bidirectional cord compression, presence and number of levels with T2-weighted signal change, intramedullary lesion (IML) length, Torg ratio, and both narrowest spinal canal and cord diameter. On multivariate analysis, preoperative degree of kyphosis at C2-7 (OR 1.19, p = 0.004), number of levels with bidirectional compression (OR 1.83, p = 0.003), and IML length (OR 1.14, p < 0.001) demonstrated the highest predictive power for nonresponse (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.818). A risk factor point system that predicted failure of improvement was derived by incorporating these 3 variables. When a large spectrum of both clinical and radiographic variables is considered, the degree of cervical kyphosis, number of levels with bidirectional compression, and IML length are the most predictive of nonresponse after surgery for DCM. Assessment of these radiographic factors can help guide surgical decision-making and more appropriately stratify patients in clinical trials.

Correlation between clinical scoring systems and quantitative MRI parameters in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis

BackgroundMany quantitative MRI parameters and clinical scores have been used patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). However, the correlation between clinical scores and MRI parameters is not very clear. The objective of the study was to find out the correlation between commonly used clinical scoring systems and quantitative MRI parameters. MethodsEighty two patients (more than 40 years) with clinical and radiological characteristics of degenerative LSS completed 10 clinical questionnaires which included Oswestry disability index (ODI), Swiss spinal stenosis (SSS) questionnaire, Quebec pain disability scale (QPD), Visual analogue scale (VAS), modified Japanese orthopaedic association scale (mJOA), Pain disability index (PDI), Short form health survey (SF-36), Self-paced walking test (SPWT), Euro quality of life-5D (EQ-5D) and Neurogenic claudication outcome score (NCOS). Lumbosacral MRIs were performed and 8 quantitative parameters namely transverse & AP diameter of dural sac (TDD, APDD), anteroposterior diameter of spinal canal (APDS), ligamentous interfacet distance (LID), mid-sagittal diameter of thecal sac (MSDT), cross-sectional area dural sac (CSAD), lateral recess depth and angle (LRD, LRA) were measured at the maximum stenotic level at the level of the disc. The clinical and radiological parameters were then statistically analysed. ResultsThere were 51 females and 31 males in the study with a mean age of 53.0253.02 ± 9.18 years. NCOS score had a moderate correlation with CSAD, LID and TDS (p<0.05,0.7>r ≥ 0.3). MSDT showed a moderate negative correlation with SSS, VAS, ODI and QPD (p<0.05,0.7>r ≥ 0.3). LRD had a moderate negative correlation with ODI and VAS score (p<0.05,0.7>r ≥ 0.3). LRA had a moderate correlation with the EQ-5D and ODI (p<0.05,0.7>r ≥ 0.3). The CSAD had a moderate negative correlation with PDI (r = −0.383, p = 0.000). For all other comparisons, there was poor or no correlation. MRI parameters showed poor or no correlation with most of components of SF-36 score. ConclusionsA poor correlation or no correlation was noted for most of the MRI parameters when compared to commonly used clinical scores. Hence, poor MRI's don't necessarily mean poor clinical scores in LSS. The role of MRI parameters should be supplementary and overreliance on them in LSS management should be avoided.

Predictive Markers in Decision-Making for Screwing the Fractured Thoracolumbar Vertebra in the Short-Segment Instrumentation.

In this study, it is aimed to compare the long-term results of patients with short-segment instrumentation where screws were inserted into the fractured vertebra with those of patients with long-segment instrumentation applied by skipping the fractured vertebra and reveal the predictive markers in decision-making for screwing fractured vertebra. Patients were separated into two groups, namely, Group A (patients in which the fractured vertebra and vertebrae above and below the fractured vertebra were screwed (short-segment instrumentation, n=22) and Group B (patients in whom the fractured vertebra was not screwed, whereas two vertebrae above and below the fractured vertebra were screwed (long-segment instrumentation, n=27). The presence of pedicle fracture, AOSpine Classification Scale score, the height of the fractured vertebra, vertebra height below the fractured vertebra, spinal canal diameter, and duration of stay in hospital were different between the groups, preoperatively (p<0.05). Fractured vertebra height, vertebra height below the fractured vertebra, and Karnofsky Performance Scale score were different between the groups in long-term follow-up (p<0.05). The preoperative measurement values were similar to each group's postoperative long-term follow-up results. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of pedicle fracture, AOSpine Classification Scale score, vertebra height below the fractured vertebra, and spinal canal diameter could be the best parameters in decision-making for screwing fractured vertebra (p<0.05). Both instrumentation procedures were observed to have similar effectiveness in preventing a collapse in fractured vertebra during long-term follow-up. It was thought that the AOSpine Classification Scale score, presence of pedicle fracture, vertebra height below the fractured vertebra, and spinal canal diameter could be used as predictive markers in decision-making for screwing fractured vertebrae. Consequently, it was concluded that patients with pedicle fractures, more height loss in the vertebra below the fractured vertebra, and narrow spinal canal would not be suitable for screwing the fractured vertebra.

Outcome of Long-Segment Fixation versus Inclusion of the Fractured Level in Short-Segment Fixation for Thoracolumbar Junction Fractures.

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the radiological outcomes of long-segment fixation and short-segment fixation, including the fracture level in patients treated for thoracolumbar junction fractures. Methods Data collected from records of patients with thoracolumbar junction fractures who were operated at our department. Neurological evaluation was done using American Spinal Injury Association classification score. Radiological parameters used were the Cobb's angle, vertebral body compression ratio, the anteroposterior spinal canal diameter, and the anterior and the posterior vertebral body heights. Patients were divided into two groups: group A included patients who underwent long-segment fixation and group B included patients who underwent short-segment fixation with inclusion of the fracture level. Results The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 22.51 degrees in group A and 19.37 degrees in group B. Both groups showed improvement in the postoperative Cobb angle as the mean in group A was 14.17 degrees and in group B was 11.77 degrees. The mean preoperative compression ratio in group A was 82.8%, while in group B it was 76%. The postoperative mean in group A was 89.2%, while in group B, it was 84%. The mean preoperative anterior vertebral body height of the fractured vertebra in group A was 16.7 mm, while in group B, it was 15.18 mm. The mean preoperative posterior vertebral body height in group A was 16.33 mm and that of group B was 19.41 mm. The mean postoperative anterior vertebral body height in group A was 17.66 mm and that of group B was 17.10 mm. The mean postoperative posterior vertebral body height in group A was 17.11 mm and that of group B was 20.79 mm. Conclusion Posterior short-segment fixation with additional screws at the fracture level provides similar-if not better-clinical and radiological outcomes to long-segment fixation in the treatment of thoracolumbar junction fractures.

Unilateral Approaches for Posterior Spinal Canal Decompression in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy—An Evaluation of Conceptual Feasibility

Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) can be treated with posterior approaches for spinal canal decompression. We compared the patients' outcome after 2 different unilateral and a bilateral posterior approach for decompression to elucidate feasibility and potential procedure-related differences. Medical records of 98 patients with CSM undergoing posterior decompression between 2012 and 2018 were assessed. Patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) unilateral interlaminar fenestration with over-the-top "undercutting" (laminotomy) for compression limited to a ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, (2) unilateral hemilaminectomy for lateralized compression with a combination of ligamentous hypertrophy and osseus stenosis, and (3) laminectomy/laminoplasty for circular osseous-ligamentous spinal canal narrowing. The mean age was 73 years (m:f = 1.4:1), and most frequent symptoms (mean duration: 15 months) were ataxia (69%) and sensory changes (57%). Main location of stenoses (median Naganawa Score = 3; mean anteroposterior spinal canal diameter = 7.7 ± 2.2 mm) was C3 to C6. Thirty-one percent of the patients were assigned for a laminotomy procedure, 20% for a hemilaminectomy, and 49% for a laminectomy/laminoplasty. There were no significant differences of patients' characteristics, blood loss, and operation time between the 3 groups. Independent from the mode of surgery, the spinal canal was significantly widened (median Naganawa Score = 0; mean anteroposterior diameter = 11.4 ± 3.6 mm) and myelopathy (mJOA Score) improved ( P &lt; .001); a higher body mass index was significantly correlated with a worse mJOA improvement (r = 0.293/ P = .003). Quality of life (Short-Form 36v2 Health Survey/Neck Disability Index) and reduction of the neck pain level were similar in the 3 groups at last follow-up (mean: 28 months). To minimize patients' periprocedural burden in CSM with dorsal compression, individual tailoring of the posterior approach according to the underlying compressive pathology achieves sufficient decompression and comparable long-term results.

Clinical and Radiographic Features of the Atlantoaxial Dislocation Associated With Kashin-Beck Disease

Keshin-Beck disease (KBD) is a particular type of osteoarthritis that affects many joints. However, the deformity of atlantoaxial joint has been rarely reported in KBD, and therefore its clinical and radiograph features have not been identified. We reviewed data in 14 patients who were diagnosed with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) in KBD at our institution. The demographic data, clinical history, imaging data, operative data, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association score were collected for evaluation. The mean age at presentation was 50 ± 1.7 years old. The most common features of AAD in KBD were the osteoarthritis, characterized by hypertrophic dens and anterior arch of the atlas. The average inner anteroposterior diameter (IAPD) of C1 was 28 ± 3.5 mm and the average spinal canal diameter was 14 ± 3.3 mm, which were respectively lower than the control level. Five patients had severe C1 stenosis (IAPD < 26mm). Separated odontoid process, like os odontoideum, was seen 9 patients. The tip of dens fused to C1 was observed in 4 patients; 12 patients had high-riding vertebral artery; and 5 patients had severe C1 stenosis, and they underwent C1 laminectomy with C1-C2 interarticular fusion or occipital-cervical fusion. All the patients displayed neurologic improvement after surgery. The atlantoaxial level could be affected by KBD, which may lead to typical abnormalities and cause AAD. A C1 laminectomy with an C1-C2 interarticular fusion or occipital-cervical fusion is recommended for the patient with severe stenosis.

Spinal canal stenosis in children with achondroplasia: the role of augmentation laminoplasty-a 15-year single institution experience.

Achondroplasia typically results in compressive spinal canal stenosis in one-third of children, but rare under the age of 15years. Laminectomy is the mainstay of treatment but this leads to instability and progressive deformity requiring complex fixation. In order to reduce that risk, we developed a novel modified augmented laminoplasty that increases spinal canal diameter while preserving the posterior column stability. All laminoplasty cases for spinal compressive achondroplasia from 2006 to 2020 were included. Ten augmentation laminoplasty procedures were performed in 7 children with regular clinical and radiological post-operative follow-up. Kyphotic deformity and clinical outcomes (neurological and urological) were evaluated. At presentation, clinical features included radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication or acute cauda equina compression with sphincter dysfunction. The average age at initial surgery was 11.2 (range 5-16) with a mean follow-up of 5 (range 2-8) years. All patients demonstrated improvement in neurogenic claudication symptoms after surgery; however, bladder dysfunction persisted in some children. In one child, cervical and lumbar augmentation laminoplasties were performed for concomitant disease. Augmentation laminoplasty effectively prevented deformity progression over time in all cases except one where a further revision laminoplasty with extension was required for screw loosening. Despite this, progressive symptomatic kyphotic deformity led to a 360° fixation. Minor complications included one dural breach (repaired intraoperatively) and one superficial wound infection. Augmentation laminoplasty is a viable surgical option following laminectomy in achondroplasia patients as an alternative to surgical fixation. Fixation can be reserved for cases where there is progressive deformity and kyphosis.

Chronic low back pain – its association with lumbar spinal canal diameter – a cross-sectional hospital-based study in a tertiary care hospital in North Bengal

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a very common cause of disability in working age adults, lumbar canal stenosis (LCS) being one of the chief anatomical correlates. However, number of studies seeking role of LCS in the origin of LBP are not many, particularly in India. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate LBP and its relation to lumbar canal diameter (LCD), also to evaluate the impact of psychosomatic factors on LBP. Materials and Methods: Eighty symptomatic (LBP) and 41 asymptomatic (without LBP) subjects were chosen and LCD for three lowest lumbar segments measured by 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging for both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects was ascertained. Canal diameters of both groups were compared by Pearson’s Chi-square test. Pain intensity of patients was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS)-pain score. Using tests of normality and non-parametric test Spearman’s rank coefficient, correlation between VAS score (pain intensity) and lowest canal diameter of the cases was evaluated. To evaluate the role of psychosomatic factors in LBP, the number of subjects (LBP) with somatic symptoms disorder (SSD) score ≥8 was ascertained. Results: The results were as follows: (1) Significant association between presence of LCS (diameter &lt;10 mm) and LBP (P=0.015). (2) No significant correlation between intensity of LBP (VAS score) and LCD. (3) 13.75% of LBP patients had SSD (Male 8% and Female 23.33%). Conclusion: LCS may be an important factor in the origin of LBP. More studies are needed in this regard and also seeking correlation between LBP and other anatomical factors. Psychosocial factors may play important role in the origin and maintenance of LBP.

Anterior cervical corpectomy for the treatment of spondylotic myelopathy: results of a prospective double-armed study with a three-year follow-up.

Since the first description in the 1950s, cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) has posed many challenges to neurosurgeons and spine surgeons. Direct comparison among different operative approaches has failed to produce valuable results due to either an insufficient number of enrolled patients or a lack of standardization of baseline conditions. This prospective double-armed non-randomized study with a 3-year follow-up involved 80 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy surgically and conservatively treated. The primary aim was to determine the efficacy of corpectomy in mild-moderate and severe CSM and to compare the outcomes of conservative and surgical treatment. Eighty patients were stratified into two arms, on the basis of the mJOA score: mild-moderate (mJOA ≥12) and severe myelopathy (mJOA score <12). Each arm was subdivided into two treatment groups (operative or conservative): A1, mild-moderate myelopathy treated with corpectomy; A2, mild-moderate myelopathy treated conservatively; B1, severe myelopathy treated with corpectomy; B2, severe cervical myelopathy treated conservatively. The clinical outcome was evaluated with the modified JOA score, timed 10-meter walk, Mehalic grade, motor evoked potentials, the SF-12, and further assessed by external observers blinded to the type of treatment. No significant differences in the recovery rates were found between the A1 and A2 groups at 6 months, although better results were recorded in the surgical groups (A1 and B1) at 12 months and at the final follow-up, as suggested by the significantly higher recovery rates. Multivariate analysis showed an inverse correlation between the duration of symptoms and the recovery rate (P<0.0001). Moreover, the preoperative timed 10-meter walk (P<0.004), the preoperative hypointensity on T1-weighted MR images (P<0.001), a higher Mehalic grade (P<0.02), the pre-treatment MEP (P<0.002), and the preoperative spinal canal diameter (P<0.004) significantly influenced the recovery rate. This prospective double-armed non-randomized study demonstrates that corpectomy is an effective and safe treatment, especially for severe forms of myelopathy. In mild-moderate conditions, a discrepancy between neurological improvement and expressed level of satisfaction was found. The present results also show that a multiparametric evaluation is crucial for proper patient selection for corpectomy.

Spinal Canal Measurements at the Level of Lower Three Lumbar Vertebrae by 128-Slice CT Scanner in Bangladeshi Population

Background &amp; objective : The knowledge of normal diameter of lumbar spinal canal is very important for diagnosing lumbar spinal canal stenosis and also for performing spinal surgeries at the lumbar level by Neurosurgeons and Orthopedicians. However, it varies widely among ethnic groups and between sexes in the same ethnic group. The present study was conducted to describe the morphometry of lumbar vertebrae at the level of L3-L5.&#x0D; Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 302 patients (aged 20-60 years) at Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital &amp; Research Institute between July 2019 to December, 2020 who underwent diagnostic CT scans for abdominal or genitourinary complaints without any known vertebral column pathology or complaints of low back pain or other abnormalities attributable to lumbar spine. Patients having sciatic pain with or without pain in the back, having past history of back surgery and patients with osteophytes or developmental anomalies, trauma or vertebral fracture and known case of lordosis, scoliosis or kyphosis or other abnormalities in lumbar vertebrae were also excluded. A CT scan was performed using 128-slice multi-detector CT with unenhanced CT images from the level of diaphragm to pubic symphysis so that the area from D12 to S1 vertebra be covered (field of view). Sections 3-mm thick with reconstruction up to 1 mm were analyzed and different parameters of the spinal canal and vertebral body were measured in sagittal and transverse sections. The images were reconstructed in true axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. The canal-body ratio (CBR) was determined by dividing the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal by the sagittal diameter of the vertebral body.&#x0D; Result: The findings of the present study demonstrate that nearly two-thirds (65.5%) of the subjects were early middle-aged or middle-aged with mean age of the subjects being 43 years. A male predominance was observed in the series with male to female ratio being 4:1. The study revealed that all the dimensions of the canal and the body in transverse and sagittal sections were observed to increase from level L3 to L5, while the canal body ratio was decreased slightly from L3-L5. The males have significantly wider vertebral body at all levels (L3-L5) of lumbar vertebrae compared to their female counterparts. Vertebral body diameter in sagittal section at L3 was significantly greater in males than those in females; however, they were not different between sexes at L4 and L5 levels. Canal-body ratio (CBR) was fairly comparable between males and females at L3 and L4, but it was greater in males than that in females at L5. No significant difference was observed between L3 &amp; L4 and L4 &amp; L5 in the same individuals in terms of CBR.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that there are significant variations in some of the lumbar spinal canal dimensions and vertebral body measurements (including CBR) from L3-L5 between males and females. Although there was no significant difference between L3 and L4 in the same individuals in terms of CBR, there was reasonable difference between L4 and L5 lumbar vertebrae. The findings are of much significance in the investigation of vertebral column pathology in the context of our population.&#x0D; Ibrahim Card Med J 2021; 11 (1): 8-13

Comparison between the coronal diameters of the cervical spinal canal and spinal cord measured using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in Korean patients.

BackgroundIf the proportion of the spinal cord in the epidural space can be determined under C-arm fluoroscopy during cervical epidural block, a safe entry point for the epidural needle can be established. The aim of this study was the measurement of the cord to canal transverse diameter ratio of each cervical spines. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the imaging data of 100 patients who underwent both cervical computed tomography (CT) and cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at our hospital. We measured the diameters of the spinal canal and spinal cord from the 3rd cervical vertebra to the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1) at each level by using the patients’ cervical CT and MRI images. The spinal cord and spinal canal diameters were measured in the transverse plane of the cervical MRI and CT images, respectively.ResultsThe spinal cord to spinal canal diameter ratio was the highest at the 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae (0.64 ± 0.07) and the lowest at T1 (0.55 ± 0.06, 99% CI [0.535, 0.565].ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the cord to canal transverse diameter ratio could be used as a reference to reduce direct spinal cord injuries during cervical epidural block under C-arm fluoroscopy. In the C-arm fluoroscopic image, if an imaginary line connecting the left and right innermost lines of the pedicles of T1 is drawn and if the needle is inserted into the outer one-fifth of the left and right sides, the risk of puncturing the spinal cord would be relatively reduced.

Spinal cord compression in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis

PurposeSpinal abnormalities frequently occur in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) types I, II, IV, and VI. The symptoms are manifold, which sometimes prolongs the diagnostic process and delays therapy. Spinal stenosis (SS) with spinal cord compression due to bone malformations and an accumulation of storage material in soft tissue are serious complications of MPS disease. Data on optimal perioperative therapeutic care of SS is limited.MethodsA retrospective chart analysis of patients with MPS and SS for the time period 01/1998 to 03/2021 was performed. Demographics, clinical data, neurological status, diagnostic evaluations (radiography, MRI, electrophysiology), and treatment modalities were documented. The extent of the SS and spinal canal diameter were analyzed. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify prognostic factors for neurological outcomes.ResultsOut of 209 MPS patients, 15 were included in this study. The most dominant type of MPS was I (–H) (n = 7; 46.7%). Preoperative neurological deterioration was the most frequent indication for further diagnostics (n = 12; 80%). The surgical procedure of choice was dorsal instrumentation with microsurgical decompression (n = 14; 93.3%). A univariate Cox regression analysis showed MPS type I (–H) to be associated with favorable neurological outcomes.ConclusionEarly detection of spinal stenosis is highly relevant in patients with MPS. Detailed neurological assessment during follow-up is crucial for timeous detection of patients at risk. The surgical intervention of choice is dorsal instrumentation with microsurgical decompression and resection of thickened intraspinal tissue. Patients with MPS type I (–H) demonstrated the best neurological course.

Sexual Dimorphism in Cervical Spine – A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

Background: Morphometric measurements of the spinal cord provide important clues regarding neural and spinal injuries. They are also of forensic importance and can be used to determine sex of an individual. These parameters have been shown to vary across age groups and ethnicity. Currently, there is a paucity of data regarding these parameters in Maharashtra, India. Therefore, studies are required to provide reference values for spinal canal parameters for this population. Aims: To study the cervical spinal canal morphometric differences in males and females in the west Maharashtra population. Materials and Methods: A comparative, retrospective study was conducted on 70 subjects aged between 18 and 70 years (36 males, 34 females). The sagittal vertebral body diameter, the sagittal spinal canal diameter, and the sagittal spinal cord diameter were measured at the C3–C7 level by magnetic resonance imaging. The space available for the spinal cord and Torg's ratio were determined. Statistical Analysis Used: Mann–Whitney U-test and unpaired t-test were used to calculate significant difference at P &lt; 0.05. Results: Mean age of the patients was 48.53 ± 14.67 years. There was significant difference in the sagittal spinal canal diameter and spinal cord diameter (P = 0.000107 and P = 2.20e−16, respectively) from C3 to C7. In all the cases, the Torg's ratio of females (0.97–1.04) was higher than in males (0.89–0.95) and varied significantly (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The study provides reference morphometric values for combined Torg's ratio and individually in males and females in the Kolhapur population.

Morphometric analysis of lumbar vertebrae using CT scans in Nepalese population

Introduction: Understanding anatomy of the lumbar vertebrae is necessary to achieve clinical success during surgery, for the development of the spinal implants and instruments and to understand changes in elderly and in male and female patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in 50 patients in Nepal to study the lumbar morphometric analysis of the vertebral body, intervertebral disc and spinal canal. Patients who underwent CT IVU for nephrolithiasis at our center were included for analysis of the lumbar morphometry. All the traumatic cases and pathological lesions, such as infection, tumor were excluded from the study. Patients having low backache due to probable intervertebral disc pathology were also excluded from the study. Data analysis was done from Microsoft excel and the mean, standard deviation and range were calculated. Results: The anterior-posterior diameter of the vertebral body, varied from 25.97 mm at L1 to 29.39 mm at L5. The transverse diameter of the body ranged from 31.55 mm at L 1 to 44.13mm at L5. There were changes in height of body. First from L1 - L3 there was increase in height and from L4-L5 there was decrease in height with least height at L5 (22.71mm). According to our study the L1 vertebra has narrowest transverse diameter of spinal canal(21.25mm) whereas L4 has narrowest antero-posterior diameter of spinal canal(12.37mm). Conclusion: In the lumbar area, detailed anatomical knowledge is critical for performing a safe operation. These findings give guidance to the surgeons during various approach while performing operative procedure like pedicle screws, vertebral body screws, cages and laminar hooks.

Study of pedicles and spinal canal diameters at the level of lumbar vertebral in normal adult Saudi population using computed tomography

The values of normal transverse (interpedicular) and sagittal (midsagittal) diameters are different at various levels of lumbar spinal canal in individuals of the same race and differ at identical levels in individuals of various races. The aim of the study was to determine normal reference range of the lumbar spinal canal dimensions and to evaluate lumbar pedicle dimensions with respect to spinal level, age, gender in Saudi population by using Computed Tomography. This study was conducted in Najran province (K.S.A), archival abdominal CT scan images from PACS in hospitals were used. The data of this study was collected from 210 (102 male and 108 female) normal Saudi adults individuals with different ages, gender over a period of 20 months (2019 - 2021). The mean spinal canal transverse distance (SCTR) showed steady decrease from L1 to L4, as there was an increasing in (SCTR) at L5 relative to L4, The mean spinal canal anteroposterior diameter (SCAP) showed a decrease from L1 to L3, and then a gradual increase from L4 to L5 (Fig.4-10). This pattern was observed in males only as there was an increase of female (SCAP) at L2 and L5, and no significant gender difference was noted at any lumbar level for (SCAP) The mean pedicle width (PW) showed steady increase from L1 to L5. While the mean pedicle height (PH) showed a gradual decrease from L1 to L5. The study conclude that Computed tomography is a reliable method for determining the morphological measurements of the spinal canal and pedicles diameter.