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Cervical spinal cord--smaller than considered?
K N Fountas1, E Z Kapsalaki, J Jackson
1Department of Neurological Surgery, Macon.
Spine
|July 31, 1998
Summary
In vivo cervical spinal cord measurements using computed tomography are 15-20% smaller than traditional autopsy data. This study provides updated in vivo dimensions for the cervical spinal cord.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Radiology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Autopsy data traditionally define cervical spinal cord dimensions.
- Real-time radiographic studies have questioned the accuracy of autopsy-based measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure cervical spinal cord dimensions in vivo.
- To compare in vivo findings with existing literature, particularly autopsy data.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 102 patients with cervical radiculopathy symptoms.
- Measurement of anteroposterior and transverse diameters, anterior median fissure depth, and cross-sectional area from C2 to T1 using postmyelogram computed tomography.
- Comparison of measurements with autopsy data.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in measurements based on age or sex.
- Cervical spinal cord dimensions measured via computed tomography were 15-20% smaller than autopsy-derived values.
- Maximum transverse diameter and cross-sectional area were observed at C5.
Conclusions:
- In vivo computed tomography measurements of the cervical spinal cord are smaller than those reported from autopsy data.
- Updated in vivo measurements are crucial for accurate clinical assessment and surgical planning.