Spine: Stenosis

Question 1

Features of spinal stenosis?

Answer 1

Gradual-onset
Unilateral or bilateral leg pain ± back pain
Numbness
Weakness

Question 2

How is pain described in spinal stenosis?

Answer 2

Aching
Crawling

Question 3

Relieving factors for pain in spinal stenosis?

Answer 3

Sitting down
Leaning forwards
Crouching down

Question 4

Exacerbating factors of weakness in spinal stenosis?

Answer 4

Walking

Question 5

What can be seen on clinical examination in spinal stenosis?

Answer 5

Often normal

Question 6

What Ix confirms a diagnosis of spinal stenosis?

Answer 6

MRI

Question 7

What is spinal stenosis?

Answer 7

Condition in which the central spinal canal is narrowed by either degenerative changes, tumour or disc prolapse

Question 8

What is the difference between spinal stenosis and cauda equina syndrome?

Answer 8

CES is specifically when the CE is impinged and can be caused by anything causing narrowing the spinal canal at L4/L5 or L5/S1

CE can be thought of as peripheral nerves continuing within the spinal column beyond the point at which SC has ended