Radiographic observation of sagittal diameter of cervical spinal canal in normal children
Kaichi, I.
Nihon Geka Hokan. Archiv für Japanische Chirurgie 49(4): 436-453
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9152 PMID: 7224766 Document Number: 165364
Normal sagittal measurements have been established for the adult cervical canal, but review of the literature fails to disclose similar standards for children except for the report of Hinck, Hopkins and Savara. A radiographic measurement study of the sagittal diameter of the cervical spinal canal and the antero-posterior length of the cervical vertebral body was performed in 338 normal children (191 boys and 147 girls) ages 3-18 yr, to define the variation of normal values. Development of the sagittal diameter of the cervical spinal canal is completed mostly by 3 yr of age, and is minimal thereafter. The sagittal diameter of the cervical spinal canal is maximum at C1 level, and is minimal at C4 and C5. Ratio of the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal to antero-posterior length of the vertebral body seems useful because of its independence of the X-ray magnification.