Generational Changes in Lumbar Spinal Canal Dimensions: Findings from a Sample U.S. Population

Area of Science:

• Spinal Anatomy
• Radiology
• Population Health

Background:

• Lumbar canal dimensions are critical for spinal health.
• Understanding variations in these dimensions is essential for diagnosing and treating spinal conditions.
• Previous studies have not extensively explored generational differences in lumbar canal size within diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare lumbar bony canal dimensions between two distinct birth cohorts in Chicago.
• To investigate potential ethnic variations in lumbar canal size.
• To identify factors influencing spinal canal dimensions across generations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of computed tomography (CT) reconstructions.
• Measurement of lumbar bony canal cross-sectional area (CSA) and anterior-posterior diameter (APD) at each lumbar level.
• Comparison of dimensions between patients born in the 1940s and 1970s, stratified by ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Older patients (born 1940s) demonstrated significantly larger lumbar canal CSA and APD compared to younger patients (born 1970s) at all levels.
• Significant differences in CSA and APD were observed across Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, and African American ethnicities.
• No significant differences in canal dimensions were associated with smoking, steroid use, osteoporosis, or cancer history.

Conclusions:

• Lumbar canal dimensions are larger in individuals born in the 1940s compared to those born in the 1970s, consistent with European cohort findings.
• Significant ethnic variations in spinal canal dimensions underscore the need for population-specific anatomical data.
• A potential negative influence on spinal canal growth in younger generations warrants further investigation and highlights the importance of non-modifiable factors in spinal health.