Anatomic study of the cervicothoracic spinal nerves and their relation to the pedicles

Twelve cadavers were dissected for the study of the cervicothoracic junction. The results showed that the mean heights and widths of the ganglia tend to decrease from the C-6 to T-4 nerve. The mean distances between the dura and the ganglion and the mean spinal nerve angles increased consistently from C-5 to T-4. The mean distances from the spinal nerves to the superior and inferior pedicles ranged 0.8-2.3 mm. It was noted that the mean value was significantly greater for the distance from the spinal nerve to the superior pedicle than that to the inferior pedicle for the spinal nerves C5-7 (P< or =.05). This information, in conjunction with imaging studies, may minimize spinal nerve injury during posterior pedicle screw fixation in the cervicothoracic spine.