Radiometric Analysis of Body and Canal of Lumbar Vertebrae among Population of Central Nepal

Abstract

<jats:p>Background: Lumbar region is the most vulnerable area for the common symptom of backache. The lumbar part of spinal canal encloses the cauda equina. Narrowing of the canal can be either developmental or acquired. This leads to compression of the cauda equina and subsequently pain develops which may be further associated with neurological features. The aim of the present study was to measure the dimensions of lumbar vertebrae. &#x0D; Methods: The present study was a descriptive and cross-sectional type. It consisted of 266 images of computed tomography scan of individuals. The various dimensions of lumbar vertebral canal and body were measured in millimeter. The descriptive statistical analysis was done.&#x0D; Results: The mean of the transverse diameter of lumbar vertebral canal increased from L1 to L5 but the antero-posterior diameter decreased from L1 to L4 followed by increased at L5. It was also observed that both transverse and antero-posterior diameter of body progressively increased from L1 to L5 vertebrae. The canal-body ratio was inconsistent for any vertebral level. There were sig­nificant differences in various dimensions of lumbar vertebrae between males and females.&#x0D; Conclusions: All the measured diameters of canal and body revealed increasing cranio-caudally sequence in the lumbar part of spine. The antero-posterior diameter of canal could attract the attention of clinician as an important structural change with significant radiological and clinical implications.&#x0D; Keywords: back pain; lumbar vertebrae; stenosis&#x0D; </jats:p>

Mean Canal-body Ratio among Specimens of Dried Lumbar Vertebrae in the Department of Anatomy of a Medical College: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

“…Few studies have reported a gradual increase in the transverse diameter of the vertebral canal from L1 to L5, minimum being at L1 and maximum at L5. [7][8][9][10] However, the finding of the present study is contrary to the finding of a study which has reported a decreasing transverse diameter of the lumbar vertebral canal from L1 to L5. 11 On the other hand, a study found that the transverse diameter was constant at L1 and L2 and then increased gradually till L5 vertebra.…”

“…The finding is consistent with that of the study done in the central and western regions of Nepal. 7 , 8 Same pattern in the lower three lumbar vertebrae was observed by a study. 13 Cranio-caudal increase in transverse vertebral diameter is ascribed to the increasing weight of the body.…”

“…This finding was similar to the study done. 7 where the mean AP diameter was maximum at the L5 level following a gradual increase from L1 to L4 vertebral level. 7 In contrast, one of the study found the gradual increment of vertebral body AP diameter from L1 to L3 and decreased at L4 and it was maximum at L5.…”

“… 7 where the mean AP diameter was maximum at the L5 level following a gradual increase from L1 to L4 vertebral level. 7 In contrast, one of the study found the gradual increment of vertebral body AP diameter from L1 to L3 and decreased at L4 and it was maximum at L5. 14 The increase in the size of lower lumbar vertebrae can be attributed to it being the area for various movements and the weightbearing actions.…”

“…The mean AP diameter of the canal showed a gradual decrease from L1 to L4 vertebral level then increased at L5 level in the study. 7 There are few data in the previous studies which showed a craniocaudal increase in the AP diameter of the canal. 13 , 18 In contrast, some studies depicted a craniocaudal decrease in the AP diameter from L1 to L5.…”