The Narrow Lumbar Spinal Canal Syndrome

The narrow lumbar spinal canal syndrome is characterized by (a) constriction of the interpediculate and anteroposterior diameters of the bony canal, (b) thickening and vertical orientation of the laminae as well as thickening of the facets and pedicles, (c) difficult, often markedly uncomfortable lumbar puncture, (d) prominence of the defects caused by relatively small extradural lesions, with varying degrees of obstruction, and (e) sharp delineation of the nerve roots of the cauda equina. The “cauda equina syndrome” and intermittent neurogenic claudication may be observed. Thirty-three cases are reviewed, with emphasis on diagnostic criteria, myelographic appearance, and clinical aspects.