J Korean Med Sci.  2004 Feb;19(1):101-106. 10.3346/jkms.2004.19.1.101.

The Relationship between Disc Degeneration and Morphologic Changes in the Intervertebral Foramen of the Cervical Spine: A Cadaveric MRI and CT Study

• Sohn HM
• You JW
• Lee JY

• KMID: 1785702
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2004.19.1.101

Abstract

A cadaveric study was performed to investigate the relationship between disc degeneration and morphological changes in the intervertebral foramen of cervical spine, including the effect on the nerve root. Seven fresh frozen human cadavers were dissected from C1 to T1, preserving the ligaments, capsules, intervertebral disc and the neural structures. The specimens were scanned with MRI and then scanned through CT scan in the upright position. Direct mid-sagittal and 45 degree oblique images were obtained to measure the dimension of the intervertebral disc height, foraminal height, width, area and segmental angles. Disc degeneration was inversely correlated with disc height. There was a significant correlation between disc degeneration and foraminal width (p<0.005) and foraminal area (p< 0.05), but not with foraminal height. Disc height was correlated with foraminal width but not with height. The segmental angles were decreased more in advanced degenerated discs. There was a correlation between nerve root compression and decreased foraminal width and area (p<0.005). This information and critical dimensions of the intervertebral foramen for nerve root compression should help in the diagnosis of foraminal stenosis of the cervical spine in patients presenting with cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy.

Keyword

Cervical Vertebrae; Intervertebral Disk; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cadaver
Female
Human
Intervertebral Disk/*pathology/radiography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods
Male
Middle Aged
Spine/*pathology/radiography
Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) T1-weighted (500/16), 45 degree oblique projections of magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine, 1.0 mm slice thickness. (B) MRI shows decreased width and area at C5-6 intervertebral foramen (arrow), but relative conservation of foraminal height.

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  Fig. 2 Parasagittal oblique plane CT images of the cervical spine.

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  Fig. 3 Diagram showing the sagittal parameters of measurement. 1. Anterior disc height, 2. Midpoint disc height, 3. Posterior disc height, 4. Posterior bulging of disc, 5. Distance of spur, 6. Segmental angle of body, 7. Vertebral body translation, 8. Foraminal height, 9. Middle foraminal width, 10. Foraminal area, 11. Nerve root condition.

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