title: A systematic review of semiquantitative and qualitative radiologic criteria for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of our study was to perform a systematic review of the semiquantitative and qualitative radiologic criteria that are used for the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).
  
  
  METHODS
  A four-step systematic literature search including the MEDLINE database was performed by an experienced librarian to reveal all semiquantitative or qualitative radiologic criteria used for the diagnosis of LSS. The precise definitions of all criteria, normal or abnormal values (if applicable), and intra- and interrater reliability were noted by two independent readers. Descriptive statistics were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 14 semiquantitative or qualitative radiologic parameters were identified and distinguished according to relevant anatomic spaces into criteria for central canal stenosis, lateral (recess) stenosis, and foraminal stenosis. Great variability in terms of the exact definitions of the criteria was found. For 10 of the 14 criteria, the intra- and interrater reliability data were found with kappa values ranging from 0.01 to 1.0.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our systematic literature review identified 14 different semiquantitative or qualitative radiologic criteria that are used for the diagnosis of LSS; however, these criteria show remarkable variability in terms of their exact individual definitions and intra- and interrater reliability.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Ramistrasse 100, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Gustav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andreisek
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Imhof
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wertli
authors.forename: Sebastian
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Winklhofer
authors.forename: Christian W A
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Pfirrmann
authors.forename: Juerg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hodler
authors.forename: Johann
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Steurer
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae; D013130:Spinal Stenosis / Q000175:diagnosis*