Correlation of functional claudication distance with canal diameter in patients with lumbar canal stenosis: A preliminary report

Abstract

Introduction. Neurogenic claudication is the classic clinical presentation of patients with lumbar canal stenosis. Several studies have addressed the assessment of such patients, but the impact of such change in canal diameter on the distance of walking is still to be identified. The study aimed to assess the functional claudication distance in relation to the canal diameter change in patients with lumbar canal stenosis. Methods. overall, 50 patients presenting with lumbar canal stenosis with the canal diameter of 8-12 mm at the level of L4 and below were recruited for this study. individuals with trauma or associated fracture, laminectomy, or congenital stenosis were excluded. The demographic characteristics and anthropometrics of each patient were established. Canal diameter was documented with the help of magnetic resonance imaging. For functional claudication distance measurement, the participants were asked to walk on a treadmill up to the distance at which they preferred to stop owing to pain. Results. The mean ± standard deviation (95% Ci) of canal diameter and functional claudication distance were found to be 10.33 ± 1.26 mm (10.00-10.69) and 141.29 ± 44.20 m (130-153.44), respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient determined a moderate to good positive correlation (r = 0.73) between lumbar canal diameter and functional claudication distance. Conclusions. The study concluded that an increase in the anteroposterior canal diameter might increase functional claudication distance or vice versa. The results may be helpful in estimating the distance of walking in patients with lumbar canal stenosis.