J Korean Radiol Soc.  1987 Apr;23(2):294-301. 10.3348/jkrs.1987.23.2.294.

Measurement of cervical spinal canal in Korean adults by computed tomography

• Suh EJ
• Kim BC
• Jung GH
• Kim JS
• Sohn MH
• Song HY
• Choi KC

• KMID: 2359641
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/jkrs.1987.23.2.294

Abstract

The knowledge of normal size of spinal canal was crucial in early recogntion of bony expansion or encroachmentdue to various disease involving spine. The purpose of this study was to establish the range of normal values ofcerbical bony spinal in Korean adults by CT. The cervial spinal canal was devided into uper, middle and lowerparts by their morphologic characteristics, and measurement was done on anteroposterior diameter, interpediculatedistance and cross-sectional area at each level. The results were as follows; 1. In anteroposterior diameter, C1showed maximum value of 1.73 cm with gradulal narrowing to C3. From C3 to C7, the values were in range of1.20-1.40cm. 2. In interpediculate distance, C1 showed maximal value of 2.69cm and values from C2 to C7 were inrange of 2.07-2.44cm. 3. In cross-sectional area, maximal value was at C2 of 2.31cm2. Below this level, valueswere in range of 1,75-2.00cm2. 4. Statistically significant difference were not found among upper, middle andlower parts consistently. 5. The mean values in males were larger than those of females at all levels. 6. Thisranges of normal value of cervical spinal canal would facilitate clinical investigation of expansion or stenosisof spinal canal in Korean adults.

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Female
Humans
Male
Reference Values
Spinal Canal*
Spine