To analyze the correlation between cauda equina nerve redundancy (RNRs) and lumbar and leg pain in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

[Abstract] Backgroud: To investigate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of Cauda equina nerve redundancy (RNRs) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and low back and leg pain and its correlation with clinical risk factors. Methods: A total of 100 LSS patients admitted to our hospital due to back and leg pain from January 2021 to June 2022 were selected and analyzed. According to the occurrence of RNRs, they were divided into positive group and negative group, with 30 cases in the positive group and 70 cases in the negative group. The "rattan cord" type was the main type of RNRs, accounting for 30.00%. Results: Compared with the negative group, age, female, lumbar 4/5 spinal stenosis, sharp protrusion, multi-segment stenosis, and significantly increased ODI score in the positive group were all risk factors for RNRs. The effective sagittal diameter, median sagittal diameter and effective cross-sectional area of the positive group were significantly decreased and were protective factors for RNRs. ODI score was positively correlated with the incidence of RNRs (P< 0.05). The main MRI image change of RNRs is "rattan cord". Conclusion: The formation of RNRs is affected by many factors, such as age, gender, position of lumbar spinal stenosis, sharp protrusion, multi-segmental stenosis, ODI score, effective sagittal diameter, median sagittal diameter, effective cross-sectional area and so on.