IMAGING AND CLINICAL ASPECTS IN LUMBAR SPINAL CANAL STENOSIS: CORRELATIONS BETWEEN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND CLINICAL PRESENTATION

Abstract

Objectives. Pain localized in the lower lumbar region is frequently reported by patients with lumbar stenosis; however, it is not directly caused by the stenosis itself but rather represents a consequence of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine, which contribute to the development of stenosis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is considered the method of choice for diagnosing spinal stenosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical signs in correlation with Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings in cases of lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

Materials and Methods. The study included 51 patients presenting with low back pain radiating to the lower limb. All patients underwent clinical neurological examination and imaging, particularly MRI of the lumbar spine.

Results. In 11 patients (91.7%) who presented imaging signs of spinal canal narrowing, a combination of degenerative changes was identified. Among them, one patient (9.1%) had spinal canal narrowing associated with intervertebral disc extrusion at the L5-S1 level; ten patients (90.9%) had canal narrowing associated with various forms of multilevel disc prolapse. In one patient (8.3%), an association between spinal canal narrowing and cerebrospinal fluid flow disturbance was observed, with the stenosis being congenital in origin.

Conclusions. Lumbar spinal canal stenosis, as determined by MRI, may be correlated with clinical signs, supported by statistical data.