Abstract :
The assessment of the size of the spinal canal is one of the
important diagnostic factors in low back pain. The transverse diameter as
well as the antero-posterior diameter of the canal are a reliable index
for the assessment of its size. Many investigators used X-ray study only.
However, the present study was conducted using X- ray and CT studies.
The sample of the present study consisted of 200 adults, 100 cases
were submitted to X-ray study and the other 100 cases were submitted to
CT study. Cases with clinical lumbar symptoms were excluded.
Measurements were made on axial CT slice images and lateral plain
radiographs of the subjects.
The results revealed that the mean transverse diameter of the
lumbar spinal canal increased steadily from L I to L5 vertebra, being
larger in males at all segmental levels. 'Me antero-posterior diameter of
the spinal canal showed a steady narrowing from the level of 1_, I down to
13. This was Ibllowed by widening at IA and 1,5. This hour- glass shape
of the lateral view of the canal was preserved in both sexes , but the
antero-posterior diameter was narrower in females than ill males. The
mean width of the vertebral body increased steadily from LI to L5 in
both sexes , and was larger in males than females at all levels. The
canal /body ratio in males was nearly 0.6 at 1,1 to 13 , while it was nearly |
