Imaging in Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a common condition that has been assessed over the years by various modalities ranging from radiography and myelography to the relatively noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging. It is caused by a multitude of conditions including developmental abnormalities affecting the pedicles, as well as degenerative processes that affect the disc, the facet joint, and the ligamentum flavum. Frequently, the stenosis is a result of several of these factors. In this article, the various types and patterns of spinal stenosis are reviewed and pertinent examples are presented. Imaging modalities useful for evaluation are also discussed with their limitations.