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Radiographic indices for lumbar developmental spinal stenosis.
Jason Pui Yin Cheung1, Karen Ka Man Ng1, Prudence Wing Hang Cheung1
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, SAR China.
Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders
|February 28, 2017
Summary
New radiographic indices can now identify developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) using simple X-rays. This cost-effective screening tool aids in diagnosing DSS, improving patient care and research accessibility.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Orthopedics
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Developmental spinal stenosis (DSS) presents a challenge due to pre-existing narrow spinal canals.
- Current MRI-based definitions are not cost-efficient for widespread screening.
- Plain radiographs offer a more accessible and economical alternative for DSS assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate radiographic indices for diagnosing developmental spinal stenosis (DSS).
- To establish a cost-effective screening tool for DSS using plain radiographs.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study included 148 subjects (DSS patients and asymptomatic controls).
- Both MRI and plain radiographs were utilized for parameter measurement.
- Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined cutoff values for diagnosing DSS via radiographs.
Main Results:
- The sagittal vertebral body width to pedicle width ratio (SBW:PW) demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity.
- Level-specific cutoff indices for SBW:PW were established for L1-S1.
- The study successfully defined DSS on plain radiographs.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first radiographic definition of DSS.
- A simple X-ray-based screening tool can now identify individuals with DSS.
- This approach offers a cost-saving method for clinical diagnosis and research.
