The Importance of the Sagittal Diameters of the Cervical Spinal Canal in Relation to Spondylosis and Myelopathy.

ABSTRACT

Background: The pre existing sagittal diameter is the distance from the middle of the posterior part of the vertebral body of each vertebra to the midpoint of corresponding lamina. The absolute diameter is the distance from the posterior aspect of spondylotic spur to the closest point in spinolaminar line at the particular inters space. They found in their study that pre existing sagittal diameter of 16.4 mm to 12.4 mm at C5 and the absolute diameter of 14.8 mm to 12.6 mm at C5-6 interspace. To study the importance of the sagittal diameters of the cervical spinal canal in relation to spondylosis and myelopathy. Methods: This study consisting of evaluation of initial and decreased sagittal diameters of cervical spines and its correlation with cervical spondylosis with and without myelopathy. The material of this analysis consisted of 150 patients who attended the outpatient department of the hospital. A detailed clinical examination was done in all the patients who included clinical history, general and systemic examination. Major groups under this study were the patients referred by a clinician with a provisional diagnosis of cervical spondylosis. A random survey of patients visited the Department of Radiology without any complaints were done, they were evaluated radiologically. While undertaking the radiological examination, we observed a specific proforma. Results: When multiple discs were involved, C5 – C6 disc involvement along with C4 – C5 was more common. When single disc involvement was there, then C5 – C6 disc involvement was maximum. Conclusion: The initial size of the canal may be an etiological factor in the development of cervical myelopathy.