İzmir Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi, Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Kliniği, İzmir

Objectıve: To investigate the correlation of spinal canal dimensions with somatometric parameters, clinical findings of central lumbar spinal stenosis and disability level in patients complaining of neurogenic claudication. Method and Patients: Thirtyfive patients complaining of neurogenic caudicatio were included into study. To measure lumbar spinal extension a modified Schober test defined by Little was used. Neurogenic claudication distance was measured on a treadmill with a speed of 3 km/h. The severity of pain was evaluated by visual analoque scale (VAS) and the disability level was evaluated by Rolland-Morris questionnaire. The radiologic examination was performed with L3-S1 spinal computed tomography. Results: The mean age, body mass index, neurogenic claudication distance, VAS and lumbar spinal extension measurement were 54.5±13.8 year, 28.9±5.3 kg/m2, 546.40±1094.2 m, 3.3±2.5 and 1.77±1.1 cm respectively. Height positively correlated with interpedicular diameter at the L3 vertebra level, spinal canal area on the pediculolaminar L4 vertebra level, dural sac area at the L3 and L4 vertebra levels. Roland-Morris score related with neurogenic claudication distance, VAS and lumbar spinal extension measurement. Conclusion: There are variations of the dimensions of the lumbar spinal canal and correlations with somatometric parameters. The anatomy of spinal canal should be evaluated according to different dimensions. Pain and loss of function affect disability level.