What is thecal sac stenosis?

What is thecal sac stenosis?

Midline stenosis compresses the central sac of nerve tissue (e.g., the dural/thecal sac containing the spinal fluid and lumbar nerve roots called the cauda equina). Compression to the sides impinges on the individual exiting nerve roots.

Does thecal sac compression cause pain?

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression is a common complication of cancer that can cause pain and potentiaLly irreversible loss of neurologic function. In most cases this syndrome is caused by compression of the thecal sac and the spinal cord by extradural metastatic mass.

What is the best treatment for Foraminal stenosis?

These include: Stretches, Heat and cold therapy, Strength-building exercises, Hot massages, Acupuncture, and Weight loss which can also ease pressure on the spine and nerve roots. The physician might also prescribe medication to ease pain associated with foraminal stenosis, such as: Aspirin (Bufferin) Ibuprofen (Advil)

Does thecal sac compression require surgery?

Treatment for Spinal Cord Compression Depending on the patient, surgery may not be necessary. When non-surgical methods fail to treat severe neurological issues or pain, surgery may be the best course of action.

What is the thecal sac effacement in stenosis?

Thecal sac effacement is seen in patients with extradural lesions located in midline. Effacement of posterior epidural fat is observed in severe stenosis of the central canal. In spinal stenosis, the thecal sac is compressed by the protruding disc anteriorly and ligamentum flavum posteriorly, forming an hourglass shape.

How accurate is CT in predicting significant spinal stenosis and cauda equina impingement?

Using MR imaging as the reference standard, we performed statistical analysis to determine the accuracy of CT in predicting significant spinal stenosis (percentage thecal sac effacement, ≥50%) and cauda equina impingement. Results: Forty of 151 patients had a percentage thecal sac effacement of ≥50% on MR imaging.

Is canal stenosis at lumbar levels a spinal cord disease?

Thus, canal stenosis at lumbar levels results in nerve root dysfunction rather than spinal cord dysfunction. FIGURE 3. Posterior view of the lumbar region of the spinal canal, demonstrating the conus medullaris at the L1 to L2 level and the cauda equina nerve roots inferiorly.

What is the CT percentage thecal sac effacement in cauda equina syndrome?

CT percentage thecal sac effacement of ≥50% predicts significant spinal stenosis on MR imaging in patients with clinically suspected cauda equina syndrome. CT percentage thecal sac effacement of <50% appears to reliably rule out cauda equina impingement. This imaging marker may serve as an additi …