Morphometric Evaluation of Craniocervical Junction by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Method

Area of Science:

• Anatomy
• Radiology
• Orthopedics

Background:

• The craniocervical region's morphometry is crucial for diagnosing and treating various conditions.
• Establishing normative reference values is essential for accurate clinical interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a morphometric evaluation of the human craniocervical region using MRI.
• To determine reference values for clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• 306 individuals (95 males, 211 females) were included.
• Sagittal T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences with specific parameters (3mm slice thickness, 10mm interval, 352x224 matrix, 170-240mm FOV, 4 NEX) were utilized.
• Measurements of key anatomical structures were performed.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant sex-based differences were observed in multiple parameters, including dens axis height, anteroposterior and anterosuperior distances of the dens axis, sagittal diameter of the foramen magnum, total cervical vertebra length, spatium retropharyngeum distance, Pavlov ratio, and the ratio of the sagittal diameter of the vertebral canal to the anteroposterior distance of the dens axis.
• Dens axis height positively correlated with anterosuperior distance of the dens axis and total cervical vertebra length.
• A negative correlation was found between the anteroposterior distance of the dens axis and the spatium retropharyngeum.

Conclusions:

• Age and sex significantly influence craniocervical morphometry.
• Observed variations are likely normal adaptations to functional and physical demands on the spine.