J Korean Radiol Soc.  1995 Jun;32(6):975-980.

Evaluation of Cervical Body Configuration from C3 to C7 in Infants and Children

• Yoon SS
• Kho HS
• Choi JY
• Byen JN
• Kim YC
• Oh JH

Abstract

PURPOSE
To obtain the findings of normal variant types of lower cervical body configuration for the purpose of differention from compression fracture.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analysed simple true lateral radiographs of cervical spine from C3 to C7 in 157 pediatric patients who did not have definitive clinical symptoms of cervical spinal injury. We classified the variations of normal cervical spine into 5 types by their configuration. In case of rounded upper corner or anteriorly wedged type, we measured the height and the width of vertebral body to classify these types, and undertook ANOVA test and multiple range test to determine the correlation between the gross configuration and the measured values.
RESULTS
Type 1 was similarly observed at each of C3 to C7 in age of 1-4 group but the frequency was markedly decreased in age of 5-8 group. Type 2a was frequently observed at both age groups, and its incidence increased considerally at C3 and C4 with advancing age. Type 2b was more frequently observed at C3 body and Type 3 was observed only at C3 body in age group 1-4. Type 4 was markedly increased at 5-8 age group. Type 2b and 3 were seen mostly at C3, but sometimes at C4 body. Height of body was statistically more significant than width of body in classification of type 2a, 2b and 3.
CONCLUSION
The configuration of lower cervical spine in infants and children changes from immature oval type(type 1) to mature rectagular type(type 4) with increasing age. Among the 4 types, the rounded upper corner type or anterior wedging type of lower cervical spine should be differentiated from compresson fracture. We concluded that the height of cervical body is more significant than the width of body in simple radiographic classification of types 2a, 2b and 3.

MeSH Terms

Child*
Classification
Fractures, Compression
Humans
Incidence
Infant*
Retrospective Studies
Spinal Injuries
Spine