Size of cervical vertebral canal – measurements in lateral cervical radiographs & dried bones

Abstract

Abstract Background In this study we have determined the size of cervical vertebral canal in adult population around Jabalpur and correlate the findings with those of other workers. Methods Mid sagittal diameter of spinal canal and anteroposterior diameter of vertebral body were measured with spreading callipers and Vernier calipers in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae in 100 radiographs as well as 100 sets of dried cervical vertebrae. Results The values of mid sagittal diameter of cervical vertebral canal are higher in lateral cervical radiographs than those in dried bones, but there is no significant difference between the values of Torg’s ratio in radiographs and dried bones. The values are compared with observations of other workers. Conclusions The importance of Torg’s ratio in lateral cervical radiographs for determining the stenosis of cervical vertebral canal is confirmed. The values of mid sagittal diameter of cervical vertebral canal in lateral cervical radiographs and dried bones are larger than those in Japanese. Background Pynae & Spillene 1956, Murone 1974 measured cervical vertebral canal & found narrower canal diameter in spondylosis cases. Various authors have reported different measurements in radiographs. A ratio method was devised by Torg in 1986. Blackley in 1999 conducted same study on anatomical specimens. Available normal values are mainly from western population. This study was carried out in normal adult population in and around Jabalpur.