Clinical Value of Axial Loading of the Lumbar Spine During Computed Tomography

Objective:To estimate the clinical value of axial loading of the lumbar spine during computed tomography (CT) in patients with degenerative disorders of the lumbar spine.Methods:Patients with degenerative disorders were exa-mined by CT in psoas-relaxed position (PRP) and axial compression in slight extension (ACE) position and reconstruction with maximum intensity projection (MIP) was performed.The maximum transverse diameter,sagittal diameter of vertebral canal and dural sac cross-sectional area of central layer of L2~S1 intervertebral disc were compared and statistically analyzed before and after loading.Results:CT examinations revealed the transverse diameter sagittal diameter of vertebral canal and dural sac cross-sectional areas of central layer were significantly decreased in ACE position as compared with PRP.Conclusions:As compared to PRP CT,CT on the ACE position could obtain more radiological diagnosis information which is regarded as important evidence for clinical diagnosis of spinal stenosis.