Clinical Correlation of Oblique Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Cervical Foraminal Stenosis

Introduction The diagnosis of cervical foraminal stenosis is primarily clinical since imaging methods do not allow direct visualization of the foramen, limiting the usefulness of classic studies such as simple magnetic resonance imaging. The objective of the study was to correlate the clinical symptoms of patients with cervical foraminal stenosis with the images obtained from oblique cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging. Materials and methods A pilot study included patients diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis. Clinical evaluation and disability scales [Neck Disability Index (NDI), modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Scale (mJOA)], quality of life [Short Form-36 (SF-36)], and pain [visual analog scale (VAS)] were applied. Subsequently, oblique magnetic resonance imaging at 45° was performed with direct visualization of the left and right foramina, and stenosis grades were classified using the Park scale. Descriptive statistics and correlations between clinical scales and stenosis grades were performed. Results The sample consisted of 30 patients who met the inclusion criteria, with an average age of 56.37 ± 15.81 years. 50% (15/30) were female. The SF-36 mental component summary (MCS) scale reported an average of 40.23 ± 13.29 (range 15-70), SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) 40.23 ± 12.77 (range 19-65), NDI 28.90 ± 16.60 (min 3, max 80), mJOA 10.70 ± 3.04 (range 4-17). The correlation between the Park compression degree and age was significant (r = 0.735, p = 0.0001), indicating greater stenosis with increasing age. A significant correlation was also found between the mJOA clinical scale and Park compression degree (r = 0.41, p = 0.022). Conclusion A significant correlation was found between age and the degree of foraminal stenosis, as well as between foraminal stenosis according to the Park scale and the mJOA scale.