Imaging in lumbar spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a common condition seen in patients presenting to physicians who specialize in pain management or perform spine surgery. The designation of "spinal stenosis" without other qualifiers is vague and as such holds little practical value. Classifications have been created in order to more specifically describe the various etiologies as well as the site(s) of narrowing. For this purpose, diagnostic imaging studies are vital. These include myelography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each imaging modality has its own inherent advantages and limitations in demonstrating anatomical structures and how they may contribute to the stenotic process. Since proper treatment follows accurate identification of the pathology, it is important for physicians to have a sound understanding of normal and abnormal spinal elements as they are depicted on various imaging studies.