Radiology · 1980 · 231 citations · 0 references
MedicineRadiologyDiagnostic ImagingDiagnostic RadiologyRadiographic AnatomyComputed TomographySpinal AnatomySpinal AssessmentSpine ImagingLumbar Spine AnatomyLumbar Spine DisordersLumbar Spine ImagingNormal EstimationRadiographic Spinal AssessmentSpinal Canal Stenosis ImagingSpinal RadiographySpinal Stenosis Assessment
An experimentally validated simple standardized method for making precise measurements of the spinal canal directly from the video display of a CT scanner is described. Using this method, normal values for anteroposterior diameter, interpediculate distance, and cross-sectional area of the lumbar spinal canal have been determined in a series of 60 adults. A careful study of canal configuration combined with the prudent use of the normal values should allow the CT diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis to be made with a high level of confidence.