Clinical evaluation of lumbosacral nerve root and lateral stenosis using coronal MR imaging

MR imaging has been used more frequently to study the lumber spine and is becoming the modality of choice in the assessment of patient with low back pain. Using a new technique of coronal and half coronal scan with MR imaging, it was possible to visualize L4, L5 and S1 nerve roots accurately. We described the MR findings of lateral stenosis using this technique. Several characteristic MR findings were identified, and the most important one was nerve root impingement in the intervertebral foramen. We consider that coronal and half coronal scan with MR imaging is useful in diagnosis of lateral stenosis. (author)