The Significance of Fat and Muscle Areas in the Lumbar Paraspinal Space

Abstract

We conclude that PSF deposition and PSM dimensions on CT are related to patient age and the amount of subcutaneous fat. Paraspinal fat deposition is not a sign of muscle atrophy, and neither parameter is related to low back pain symptoms. Therefore, in patients who have not undergone spinal surgery, PSF and PSM areas are not of clinical or functional significance.