"grade 0 (normal): fat surrounds the nerve root circumferentially"
"grade 1 (mild): absence of perineural fat visualisation in one dimension, either vertically or horizontally"
"grade 2 (moderate): absence of perineural fat visualisation circumferentially but without compression of the nerve root"
"grade 3 (severe): absence of perineural fat visualisation with compression (morphologic change) of the nerve root"
"Lumbar foraminal stenosis is a common cause of low back pain (including buttock pain) and lower limb pain (radiculopathy), which is worsened by sitting or lying supine. Motor weakness may also occur 4. On examination, pain may be exacerbated by lumbar extension (Kemp's sign) 4."
Expected headings
"Classification"
"vertical (craniocaudal) stenosis from vertebral osteophytes and/or bulging or herniated disc results in nerve root compression against the superior pedicle; posteriorly the foramen is patent and perineural fat is generally preserved"