Lumbar spinal stenosis

Question 1

What causes lumbar spinal stenosis?

Answer 1

central canal is narrowed by;
- tumour
- disc prolapse
- or other similar degenerative changes.

Question 2

Presentation of lumbar spinal stenosis

Answer 2

• back pain
• neuropathic pain
• symptoms mimicking claudication

Question 3

How can you differentiate lumbar spinal stenosis from claudication?

Answer 3

Sitting is better than standing
patients may find it easier to walk uphill rather than downhill

Question 4

What imaging modality is best to identify spinal stenosis?

Answer 4

MRI

Question 5

Treatment for lumbar spinal stenosis

Answer 5

Laminectomy