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Does the cervical canal to body ratio predict spinal stenosis?
R Moskovich1, S Shott, Z H Zhang
1New York University, New York, USA.
Bulletin (Hospital for Joint Diseases (New York, N.Y.))
|January 1, 1996
Summary
This study measured cervical spinal canal dimensions in male cadavers. A canal to body ratio below 80% could indicate spinal stenosis, but radiographic measurements may overestimate canal size.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Anatomy
- Radiology
Background:
- Accurate measurement of the cervical spinal canal is crucial for diagnosing spinal stenosis.
- Previous studies have relied on radiographic measurements, which may not reflect true bony dimensions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the exact size of the bony cervical spinal canal and vertebral body in adult males.
- To compare direct measurements with radiographic assessments.
- To evaluate the utility of the canal to body ratio in diagnosing spinal stenosis.
Main Methods:
- Direct measurement of sagittal canal and vertebral body diameters in 368 adult male cadaveric cervical vertebrae (C3-C7).
- Comparison of direct measurements with measurements obtained from plain radiographs.
- Calculation of the canal to body ratio (sagittal canal diameter / sagittal vertebral body diameter).
Main Results:
- The mean sagittal diameter of the spinal canal (C3-C7) was 14.07 mm.
- The mean canal to body ratio was 86.68%.
- Thirty-one percent of subaxial vertebrae met criteria for spinal stenosis (canal to body ratio < 80%).
- Radiographic measurements overestimated the canal diameter compared to direct measurements.
Conclusions:
- Direct measurement provides accurate bony dimensions of the cervical spinal canal.
- A canal to body ratio below 80% may suggest spinal stenosis, but this threshold requires careful consideration.
- Plain radiographs may overestimate cervical canal diameter, potentially leading to misdiagnosis.