The pathomorphology of spinal stenosis as seen on CT scans of the lumbar spine.

This study examines different morphologic measurements in the evaluation of patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. Preoperative CT scans from 24 patients who underwent surgery for central lumbar stenosis were analyzed. No correlation was observed between the size of the bony spinal canal and the size of the dural sac. A new measurement, the transverse area of the dural sac, is introduced. Normal values are provided. Correlation between the cross-sectional area of the dural sac and the anteroposterior diameter of the dural sac was excellent.