Normal lumbar vertebra showing large, round spinal canal The diagnosis is based on clinical findings. Some patients can have a narrowed canal without symptoms, and do not require therapy. The normal lumbar central canal has a midsagittal diameter (front to back) greater than 13 mm, with an area of 1.45 cm2. Relative<unk>  is said to exist when the anterior-posterior canal diameter measures between 10 and 13 mm. Absolute<unk>  of the lumbar canal exists anatomically when the anterior-posterior measurement is 10 mm or less. Plain X-rays of the lumbar or cervical spine may or may not show spinal<unk> . The definitive diagnosis is established by either computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning. Identifying the presence of a narrowed canal makes the diagnosis of spinal<unk> . Bicycle test of van Gelderen In 1977, Dyck and Doyle reported on the bicycle test, a simple procedure in which the patient is asked to pedal on a stationary bicycle. If the symptoms are caused by peripheral artery disease, the patient will experience claudication, a sensation of not getting enough blood to the legs; if the symptoms are caused by lumbar<unk> , symptoms will be relieved when the patient is leaning forward while bicycling. Although diagnostic progress has been made with newer technical advances, the bicycle test remains an inexpensive and easy way to distinguish between claudication caused by vascular disease and spinal<unk> . MRI antherolisthesis of grade I. Hypertrophy of interspinous ligaments in relation to Baastrup's disease. 67 years old man. MRI is the preferred method of diagnosing and evaluating spinal<unk>  of all areas of the spine, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. MRI is useful to diagnose cervical spondylotic myelopathy (degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with associated damage to the spinal cord). The finding of degeneration of the cervical spinal cord on MRI can be ominous; the condition is called myelomalacia or cord degeneration. It is seen as an increased signal on the MRI. In myelopathy (pathology of the spinal cord) from degenerative changes, the findings are usually permanent and decompressive laminectomy will not reverse the pathology. Surgery can stop the progression of the condition. In cases where the MRI changes are due to vitamin B12 deficiency, a brighter prospect for recovery can be expected. Establishing the diagnosis The detection of spinal<unk>  in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine confirms only the anatomic presence of a stenotic condition. This may or may not correlate with the diagnosis of spinal<unk>  which is based on clinical findings of radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication, weakness, bowel and bladder dysfunction, spasticity, motor weakness, hyperreflexia and muscular atrophy. These findings, taken from the history and physical examination of the patient (along with the anatomic demonstration of<unk>  with an MRI or CT scan), establish the diagnosis.
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Peripheral artery disease
Cervical spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis
Spinal disc herniation
Spinal tumor
Lumbar disc disease
Spinal disease