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The lumbar spinal canal in children. Part I: The sagittal diameter
Insights
The sagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal remains consistent throughout childhood, contrary to popular belief. This finding, based on corrected radiographic measurements, highlights a stable anatomical feature from age three onwards.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- The sagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal is a key anatomical measurement.
- Previous studies suggested this diameter increases significantly during childhood.
- Radiological magnification effects may have influenced prior conclusions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately measure the sagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal in children.
- To determine if the sagittal diameter changes significantly with age in pediatric populations.
- To compare pediatric measurements with adult anatomical data.
Main Methods:
- Radiographic measurements of the lumbar spinal canal were taken from 100 children aged 3-14 years.
- Corrections were applied to account for magnification factors in radiographic imaging.
- Measurements were analyzed across different age groups.
Main Results:
- The sagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal showed no significant variation across the studied age groups (3-14 years).
- Measured values closely aligned with those reported for adult skeletal material.
- An hour-glass shape with narrowing at L3-L4 was observed from age 3.
Conclusions:
- The sagittal diameter of the pediatric lumbar spinal canal is established early and does not significantly increase with age.
- Observed increases in diameter in previous studies are likely artifacts of uncorrected radiological magnification.
- The characteristic hour-glass shape of the lumbar canal is present from early childhood.
Abstract:
The sagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal has been measured on the radiographs of 100 children in age groups from three to fourteen years, both ages included. Corrections have been made for the factors of magnification, leading to the conclusion that the diameter does not vary significantly in the different age groups. The values correspond well to those given in previous anatomical investigations based upon adult skeletal material. The belief that the sagittal diameter increases in childhood appears to be due to disregard of the radiological enlargement. An hour-glass like shape of the lumbar spinal canal with narrowing at the third and fourth lumbar levels is present already from the age of 3.