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

Table 3 Percentage difference of the cross-sectional area of the dural sac on transverse, T2-dependent magnetic resonance imaging at the same levels for phases both with and without axial loading

Dural sac/section of the spine	Mean difference of area between unloaded and axial loading (%)	95%CI		P value
		Lower	Upper
L1-L2	-2.6	-3.6	-1.6	< 0.001
L2-L3	-5.5	-6.8	-4.2	< 0.001
L3-L4	-6.7	-8.9	-4.4	< 0.001
L4-L5	-8.1	-10.5	-5.7	< 0.001
L5-S1	-3.0	-4.9	-1.0	0.004
All from L1-L2 to L5-S1	-5.2	-6.2	-4.1	< 0.001

Negative values correspond to a decrease. CI: Confidence interval.