Spine update. Lumbar foraminal stenosis

Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2000 Feb 1;25(3):389-94. doi: 10.1097/00007632-200002010-00022.

Abstract

Lumbar foraminal stenosis is an important pathologic entity to identify in the patient being treated for radicular symptoms. This update reviews the anatomy, clinical presentation, neuroradiographic evaluation, and treatment of pathology located in the intervertebral foramen. Patients with significant leg pain refractory to conservative treatment and concordance between the demonstrated area of stenosis and radicular symptoms and signs are candidates for the decompressive procedures discussed. The role of arthrodesis and spinal instrumentation in the management of foraminal stenosis also is addressed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Spinal Stenosis* / diagnosis
  • Spinal Stenosis* / pathology
  • Spinal Stenosis* / therapy