RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF THE PREVERTEBRAL SOFT-TISSUE OF CERVICAL-VERTEBRAE

The radiographic measurement of the prevertebral soft tissue of cervic al vertebrae was performed in 87 normal adults. According to the resul ts of the measurement, 10 mm and 20 mm were used as the upper limit no rmal values of the retropharyngeal and retrotracheal space respectivel y. We conclude that although the widened soft tissue space is of diagn ostic significance, diagnosis should be made on the basis of analysis of the injury history, clinical manifestation and imaging examination.