J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1993 Jan;22(1):63-70.

Y-Angle Stenosis of Lumbar Spine: New Concept of Lumbar Stenosis

• Kim YS
• Cho YE
• Park HC
• Yoon DH
• Roh SW

Abstract

Authors measured the Y-shaped angle made by both yellow ligaments and both laminae named Y-angle at the spinal CT scan in normal and lumbar stenosis group. The normal range of Y-angle is between 60 degrees and 95 degrees. Lumbar stenosis is classified into narrow Y-angle stenosis(<60 degrees) and wide Y-angle stenosis(>95 degrees) by Y-angle. Narrow Y-angle stenosis is most common in degenerative spondylotic stenosis. Wide Y-angle is most common in congenital stenosis. The Y-angle is a simple and useful diagnostic indicator in the diagnosis of lumbar spinal stenosis on CT scan and MRI scan.

Keyword

Lumbar stenosis; Y-angle; Narrow Y-angle stenosis; Wide Y-angle stenosis

MeSH Terms

Constriction, Pathologic*
Diagnosis
Ligaments
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Reference Values
Spinal Stenosis
Spine*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed