"severity of stenosis: although most radiologists will use mild, moderate, and severe, there is no single universally agreed-upon definition of these (see lumbar canal stenosis grading). As such, reports would either explicitly indicate which grading system is being used or (better yet) describe the stenosis in such a way that the degree of stenosis can be determined by the reader, independent of the classification system preferred."
"In most instances, an MRI of the lumbar spine is the modality of choice to evaluate lumbar canal stenosis as it can image musculoskeletal as well as neural components. In some contexts (e.g. acute emergency presentation, when MRI is unavailable or for surgical planning), CT is useful, but is not as sensitive or specific for the identification of disc protrusions/extrusions 18."
"Plain radiographs do not have a primary role in the assessment of lumbar canal stenosis, but are useful in assessing lumbar canal instability 16,17."
"location of stenosis is generally referred to using the intervertebral disc disease nomenclature, both in terms of axial location (central, lateral (subarticular), foraminal, extra-foraminal) and sagittal location (disc level,"
Expected headings
"CT myelogram"
"lower limb changes to sensation (e.g. paraesthesia and/or tingling)"
"fractures (e.g. burst fracture)"
"translation (e.g. facet joint fractures, dislocation)"
"mucopolysaccharidoses (e.g. Morquio syndrome)"
"CT is effective in visualising various bony abnormalities associated with lumbar canal stenosis, such as spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, end plate irregularities, sclerosis, facet joint osteoarthritis, articular process hypertrophy, vacuum phenomenon of discs and joints, as well as subchondral and synovial cysts 6,10. CT can accurately demonstrate extrathecal nerve root compression in the lateral recesses and intervertebral foramina by identifying effacement of epidural fat or compression of the root, while also effectively distinguishing compression caused by disc, ligament, and bone. However, CT has limitations in detecting intrathecal nerve root compression due to the inability to differentiate it from the surrounding CSF 6."
"suprapedicular, pedicular or infrapedicular)"
"The procedure performed will vary widely depending on the cause of stenosis and other patient-specific factors. Some common procedures include laminectomy, discectomy with or without interbody spacers or vertebral body replacements, fusion and interspinous devices."