Spinal Canal Stenosis

Spinal Canal Stenosis




Spinal canal stenosis is narrowing of the spinal canal and the consequent
compression of the cord and the nerve roots. It may affect the cervical thoracic or
lumbar spine.
Canal stenosis is common in lumbar vertebrae. One or more roots of the cauda
equina may be affected due to the constriction in spinal canal before it exits through
the foramen.

Lumbar canal Stenosis refers to an anatomic and pathologic condition that includes the
narrowing of the lower spinal canal (central stenosis) or one or more lumbar
vertebral foramina (foraminal/lateral stenosis).
Patient may present with low backache, neurological symptoms in the lower limbs
and bladder, bowel dysfunctions in extreme cases.




Classification
Generalized or localized
Segmental : Local area of each vertebral spinal segment is affected
Central
Lateral recesses

, Foraminal
Far out
Anatomical area
- Cervical
- Thoracic (rare)
- Lumbar (most common)




Biomechanics