Intermediate
Technical
IVT
lateral recess stenosis
Narrowing of the lateral spinal canal where nerve roots exit the thecal sac.
Full Definition
Lateral recess stenosis refers to narrowing of the lateral gutters of the spinal canal, the areas where individual nerve roots travel from the thecal sac toward the neural foramina. This condition typically results from degenerative changes including facet arthropathy, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and disc bulging. Unlike central canal stenosis, lateral recess stenosis often causes unilateral radicular symptoms. Surgical treatment involves targeted decompression of the affected lateral recess while preserving spinal stability.
Usage
Usage note: Specify laterality (left/right) when documenting.
In Context
- "MRI revealed severe left lateral recess stenosis at L4-L5 with nerve root compression." — Imaging interpretation
- "The surgeon performed a partial medial facetectomy to address lateral recess stenosis." — Operative technique description
Also known as
subarticular stenosis
nerve root entrapment zone stenosis
Don't confuse with
central canal stenosis
foraminal stenosis