High-resolution, three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging axial load dynamic study improves diagnostics of the lumbar spine in clinical practice

Table 2 Cross-sectional area of the ligamentum flavum on the same levels with and without axial loading on both sides

Ligamenta flava(right + left) / section of the spine	Mean difference of area between unloaded and axial loading (%)	95%CI		P value
		Lower	Upper
L1-L2	4.1	1.8	6.4	0.001
L2-L3	4.8	2.0	7.6	0.001
L3-L4	4.0	0.5	4.7	0.024
L4-L5	2.1	-0.5	6.3	0.116
L5-S1	4.1	2.5	5.2	< 0.001
All from L1-L2 to L5-S1	3.8	2.5	5.2	< 0.001

Negative value corresponds to a decrease. CI: Confidence interval.