Anatomic Assessment of L1-S1 Neuroforaminal Dimensions Using Computed Tomography

Abstract

Background: Although the radiographic parameters for diagnosing central lumbar canal stenosis are well described, parameters for the diagnosis of neuroforaminal stenosis (NFS) are less well defined. Previous studies have used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiography to describe neuroforaminal dimensions (NFDs). Those methods, however, have limitations that may substantially distort measurements. Existing literature on the use of computed tomography (CT) to investigate normal NFDs is limited. Methods: This anatomic assessment evaluated CT imaging of 300 female and 300 male subjects between 18 and 35 years of age to determine normal NFDs, specifically the sagittal anteroposterior width, axial anteroposterior width, craniocaudal height, and area. Statistical analyses were performed to assess differences in NFDs according to variables including sex, age, height, weight, body mass index, and ethnicity. Results: Overall, mean NFDs were 9.08 mm for sagittal anteroposterior width, 8.93 mm for axial anteroposterior width, 17.46 mm for craniocaudal height, and 134.78 mm2 for area (n = 6,000 measurements each). Male subjects had larger NFDs than females at multiple levels. Both Caucasian and Asian subjects had larger NFDs than African-American subjects at multiple levels. There were no associations between foraminal dimensions and anthropometric factors. Conclusions: This study describes CT-based L1-S1 NFDs in young, healthy patients who presented with reasons other than back pain or pathology affecting the neuroforamen. Dimensions were influenced by sex and ethnicity but were not influenced by anthropometric factors.