Exploring Variations in Lumbar Canal Width: An MRI Study on Asymptomatic Patients by Age and Gender

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Orthopedics
• Degenerative Spine Disease

Background:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis is a prevalent degenerative condition in older adults, causing significant morbidity.
• Spinal canal width varies with age, gender, and lumbar level, influencing stenosis risk.
• Radiographic evidence of narrowing does not always correlate with clinical symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze lumbar spinal stenosis risk based on age, gender, and lumbar levels (L1-S1).
• To investigate variations in spinal canal width using MRI in asymptomatic individuals.
• To assess the distribution of stenosis risk across different demographic groups.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 120 patients (aged 20-75) who underwent lumbar MRI for other reasons.
• Measurement of spinal canal widths at five lumbar levels (L1-2 to L5-S1).
• Classification of stenosis risk (low, borderline, high) based on established thresholds.

Main Results:

• Stenosis risk progressively increased from upper to lower lumbar levels.
• Older females (61-75 years) showed the highest borderline/high-risk proportions at L4-5 and L5-S1.
• Males generally had wider canals and lower stenosis risk compared to females.
• Many older patients exhibited radiographic narrowing without clinical symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Age and gender are significant factors influencing lumbar spinal stenosis risk, particularly in older females.
• Clinical correlation is crucial despite radiographic findings of stenosis.
• AI-based systems may enhance the assessment of spinal canal narrowing.