Sagittal Diameter of the Lumbar Spinal Canal in Children and Adults

Abstract

The midsagittal diameter of the lumbar canal was studied radiographically in children and adults to facilitate investigation of lumbar spinal canal stenosis. One type of canal stenosis caused by hypertrophy of laminae and articular proc- esses can be detected by a dorsoventral measurement of intervertebral foramina. In these subjects, the midsagittal diameter of the spinal canal may be normal. In another type of stenosis, dorsoventral measurement of intervertebral foramina is normal and the midsagittal diameter of the canal is diminished. Cases illustrating both types of stenosis are presented. Stenosis can be clinically significant in the young (8).