MR evaluation of stenosis involving the neural foramina, lateral recesses, and central canal of the lumbosacral spine.

MR imaging depicts the levels, sides, and severity of physical stenoses of the central spinal canal, the lateral recesses, and the neural foramina--diagnostic information crucial for the symptomatic patient under consideration for surgical correction. In the future, it is probable that MR imaging, using standard static techniques, flow-sensitive studies, and noncontrast, intravenous gadolinium-enhanced or intrathecal gadolinium-enhanced acquisitions, will probably replace all other imaging modalities in the primary evaluation of the various subtypes of spinal stenoses.