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

Table 4 Percentage difference of the sagittal cross-sectional area of vertebral foramina on the same levels both with and without axial loading on both sides

Intervertebral foramina (right + left)/section of the spine	Mean difference of area between unloaded and axial loading (%)	95%CI		P value
		Lower	Upper
L1-L2	-4.0	-5.1	-2.9	< 0.001
L2-L3	-6.7	-8.0	-5.5	< 0.001
L3-L4	-5.1	-6.2	-4.0	< 0.001
L4-L5	-3.3	-4.8	-1.7	< 0.001
L5-S1	2.0	0.5	3.9	0.045
All from L1-L2 to L5-S1	-3.4	-4.1	-2.7	< 0.001

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