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Multiple Choice

Degenerative central canal stenosis is most commonly found at which levels?

Degenerative central canal stenosis narrows the central canal due to age-related changes, and it tends to hit the segments with the most motion and load. In the lumbar spine, the level most prone to degenerative changes that encroach on the canal is around L4-L5, where disc degeneration, facet joint changes, and ligament thickening commonly narrow the canal. In the cervical spine, the hotspot is around C5-C6, where similar degenerative processes can compress the cord. So, the pairing that reflects these two typical sites—one lumbar level and one cervical level—is the best representation of where degenerative central canal stenosis most often occurs. The other levels listed are less commonly involved in this condition.

Degenerative central canal stenosis narrows the central canal due to age-related changes, and it tends to hit the segments with the most motion and load. In the lumbar spine, the level most prone to degenerative changes that encroach on the canal is around L4-L5, where disc degeneration, facet joint changes, and ligament thickening commonly narrow the canal. In the cervical spine, the hotspot is around C5-C6, where similar degenerative processes can compress the cord. So, the pairing that reflects these two typical sites—one lumbar level and one cervical level—is the best representation of where degenerative central canal stenosis most often occurs. The other levels listed are less commonly involved in this condition.