lateral recess

Lumbar Stenosis

DefinitionLumbar Stenosis

 

Reduction of space available for neural elements in spinal canal or intervertebral foramina

- due to degenerative changes, congenital abnormalities or both

- involves compression of the thecal sac or nerve roots

 

Epidemiology

 

Onset 50 - 60's

- M = F

- associated with onset OA spine

Lumbar Herniated Discs

Epidemiology

 

Sciatica > 2/52 1.6%

 

M:F = 1:1

 

Most common L4/5 

L5/S1 inherently stable 

 

Risk factors

 

Sedentary lifestyle

Smokers

Frequent driving

Heavy lifting 

 

Anatomy

 

Annulus Fibrosis

- circumferential, multilayered rim