Diagnosis of a 64-year-old patient presenting with suspected lumbar spinal stenosis: an evidence-based case report.
OBJECTIVE
To present an evidence-based case report on the diagnosis of a patient with suspected lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).


METHODS
A 64-year-old man presented with signs and symptoms suggestive of LSS, but physical examination and diagnostic imaging findings were inconclusive. Other co-morbidities included diabetes, congestive heart failure, and left hip joint osteoarthritis.


RESULTS
PubMed was searched for systematic reviews of diagnostic studies on LSS. Two recent articles were found and appraised with respect to their validity, importance, and applicability in diagnosing the current patient. Copies of his magnetic resonance imaging were also obtained and used in combination with the appraised literature, including diagnostic test specificities and likelihood ratios, to confirm an LSS diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates how research evidence can be used in clinical practice, particularly in the diagnosis of an individual patient.
Master of Science (MSc) Candidate, MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Clinical Sciences), Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, 13-15 Parkwood Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2DF, United Kingdom ; Private Practice, 201C Preston Parkway, Cambridge, ON, N3H 5E8, Canada, E-mail: pcemary@hotmail.com.
Peter C
PC
Emary
case reports; chiropractic; diagnosis; evidence based practice; lumbar spinal stenosis