Quantitative assessment of the lumbar spinal canal by computed tomography.

Abstract
An experimentall validated simple standardized method for making precise measurements of the spinal canal directly from the video display of a CT [computed tomography] scanner is described. Using this method, normal values for anteroposterior diameter, interpediculate distance and cross-sectional area of the lumbar spinal canal were determined in a series of 60 adults. A careful study of canal configuration combined with the prudent use of the normal values should allow the CT diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis to be made with a high level of confidence.