Comparative Quantitative Assessment Of The Lumbar Spinal Canal By Computed Tomography In Chinese And Nepalese Population

Introduction:The lumbar region is very important because of its role in movements, maintaining up-right posture and weight transmission. By determining normal ranges of spinal canal diameter, early diagnosis in persons who have lower diameters of spinal canal can be made. These individuals are predisposed to spinal canal stenosis, which is a major cause of spinal radiculopathies.Methods:The study was conducted among 320 patients in two major hospitals of China (Nanfang hospital, Baiyun, Guangzhou) and Nepal (National Medical College Teaching Hospital, Birgunj). We compared three parameters; Anteroposterior Diameter (APD), Interpediculate Diameter (IPD) and Spinal Canal area in all five lumbar spines of 160 Chinese and 160 Nepalese patients (n=320) who underwent abdominal CT examination for reasons other than back pain. Comparisons were analyzed by relevant statistical tests using SPSS software.Results:APD of lumbar spines (L1, L2, L3 and L4) varied significantly only among females of two nations. APD also showed significant difference among people in age-group<30 years of age in case of L2, L3 and L4. IPD of lumbar spines varied significantly in females (only in L1), in males (only in L5) as well as in>40 years age-group (L1 and L5). Area of all lumbar spines (L1,L2,L3,L4 and L5) differed significantly between Nepalese and Chinese population for both sexes as well as all age groups except that for<30 years of age group in case of L2 and L3.Conclusion:Anteroposterior diameter, Interpediculate distance and spinal canal area of lumbar spines varies according to age, sex and nation.