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Relationship Between Cervical Central Canal and Neural Foraminal Dimensions in a Normative Population
Kai Nguyen1, Zachary Brandt1, David Shin2
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA.
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
|June 25, 2026
Summary
Cervical spine measurements show no strong links between central canal and neural foraminal dimensions in young adults. These findings indicate that central canal size cannot predict neural foraminal size.
Area of Science:
- Spinal anatomy and imaging
- Quantitative morphometrics
- Radiology
Background:
- The relationship between cervical central canal and neural foraminal dimensions is not well-defined.
- Understanding these dimensions is crucial for assessing cervical spinal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlations between cervical central canal and neural foraminal dimensions.
- To determine if central canal dimensions can serve as a surrogate for neural foraminal dimensions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of computed tomography (CT) images from 1000 young adults (18-35 years).
- Measurement of central canal (anteroposterior diameter, interpedicular distance, cross-sectional area) and neural foraminal dimensions (axial width, craniocaudal height, area).
- Application of Pearson correlation tests to analyze associations.
Main Results:
- Neural foraminal area showed modest-to-moderate correlations with interpedicular distance.
- No consistent correlations were found between central canal dimensions and neural foraminal axial width or craniocaudal height.
- No strong correlations were observed between any combination of central canal and neural foraminal dimensions across disc levels.
Conclusions:
- In young adults without apparent cervical pathology, cervical central canal and neural foraminal dimensions lack strong correlations.
- Central canal dimensions should not be used as a surrogate for neural foraminal dimensions in quantitative morphometric assessments.
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