72-year-old female with multiple compression fractures in thoracic and lumbar spine (T4/T7/L1/L3) also with history of neurogenic claudication. Please examine for central canal stenosis. This examination has limited value for evaluation of central spinal stenosis. MRI is the modality of choice for evaluation of central spinal stenosis since he visualized the soft tissues with better advantage.Approximately 50% compression fracture of L1 with biconvex deformity is noted. There is also compression along the superior endplate of L3. Very subtle compression deformity of the superior endplate of L4 is also noted. There is minimal grade 1 anterolistheses at L4 -- L5 level. Extensive vacuum phenomenon within the intervertebral disk space at T12 -- L1 and to lesser degree at the L1 -- L2 is noted. Partially visualized intervertebral disk space at T11 -- T12 also demonstrates vacuum phenomenon.T12 -- L1. Degenerative changes are noted. Mild compromise of the left neural foramina is present. No central spinal stenosis.L1 -- L2.Minimal compromise of bilateral neuroforamina. No central spinal stenosis.L2 -- L3. No central spinal stenosis. There is subtle for broad-based bulge of disk material at this level. Minimal compromise of bilateral neural foramina.L3 -- L4. Hypertrophic changes of posterior elements and bulge of disk material causes deformity of the thecal sac all were but no central spinal stenosis. Minimal compromise of bilateral neural foramina is suspected.L4 -- L5. Extensive hypertrophic changes of posterior elements and bulge of disk material is noted. No measurable central spinal stenosis. Minimal grade 1 anterolisthesis. Minimal compromise of bilateral neural foramina.L5 -- S1.Extensive degenerative changes of posterior elements. No central spinal stenosis or definitive evidence of neural foramina compromise.
1.Multiple compression fractures as detailed.2.No measurable central spinal stenosis.3.Multi-level minimal neural foramina compromise bilaterally as detailed.4.For precise evaluation of central spinal stenosis MRI is in the modality of choice.