Consensus conference on core radiological parameters to describe lumbar stenosis - an initiative for structured reporting

Purpose: To define radiological criteria and parameters as a minimum standard in a structured radiological report for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and to identify criteria and parameters for research purposes.

Material and methods: All available radiological criteria and parameters for LSS were identified using systematic literature reviews and a Delphi survey. We invited to the consensus meeting, and provided data, to 15 internationally renowned experts from different countries. During the meeting, these experts reached consensus in a structured and systematic discussion about a core list of radiological criteria and parameters for standard reporting.

Results: We identified a total of 27 radiological criteria and parameters for LSS. During the meeting, the experts identified five of these as core items for a structured report. For central stenosis, these were “compromise of the central zone” and “relation between fluid and cauda equina”. For lateral stenosis, the group agreed that “nerve root compression in the lateral recess” was a core item. For foraminal stenosis, we included “nerve root impingement” and “compromise of the foraminal zone”.

Conclusion: As a minimum standard, five radiological criteria should be used in a structured radiological report in LSS. Other parameters are well suited for research.

Key Points: • The five most important radiological criteria for standard clinical reporting were selected.

• The five most important quantitative radiological parameters for research purposes were selected.

• These core criteria could help standardize the communication between health care providers.