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Bony spinal canal changes that differentiate conjoined nerve roots from herniated nucleus pulposus
Radiology
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Conjoined nerve roots in the lumbar spine cause bony spinal canal asymmetry, specifically ipsilateral lateral recess dilatation. This CT finding helps differentiate conjoined nerve roots from extruded intervertebral disk fragments.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Conjoined nerve roots are a rare congenital anomaly.
- Distinguishing conjoined nerve roots from other lumbar spine pathologies is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify characteristic CT findings of conjoined nerve roots in the lumbar spine.
- To differentiate conjoined nerve roots from extruded free intervertebral disk fragments based on imaging features.
Main Methods:
- Review of CT examinations of the lumbar spine in 12 consecutive patients diagnosed with conjoined nerve roots.
- Analysis of bony spinal canal morphology, focusing on the lateral recess.
Main Results:
- All 12 patients exhibited asymmetry of the bony spinal canal.
- A slight dilatation of the ipsilateral lateral recess was consistently observed.
- This asymmetry pattern is not typically seen with extruded free intervertebral disk fragments.
Conclusions:
- Asymmetry of the bony spinal canal, particularly ipsilateral lateral recess dilatation on CT, is a key indicator of conjoined nerve roots.
- This imaging finding can help distinguish conjoined nerve roots from extruded free intervertebral disk fragments, aiding in diagnosis and management.