CERVICAL SPINAL-CORD - SMALLER THAN CONSIDERED

Study Design. One hundred two patients with symptoms of cervical radic ulopathy, were retrospectively analyzed and their cervical spinal cord diameters obtained. Objectives, To measure the cervical spinal cord i n vivo and to compare the findings with those previously reported in t he literature. Summary of Background Data. Traditionally, autopsy data have served as the linchpin of cervical cord measurements. However, s everal studies obtained by real-time radiographic methods have failed to confirm such measurements. Methods. The spinal cord was retrospecti vely measured in 102 patients. All patients underwent myelogram and po stmyelogram computed tomographic scan. Anteroposterior and transverse diameters of the spinal cord were measured from C2 to T1 at the level of each Intervertebral disc. The depth of the anterior median fissure and cross-sectional area were measured as well. Plain myelographic fil ms were reviewed but demonstrated no findings contrary to postmyelogra m computed tomographic measurements. Results. There was no statistical ly significant difference the spinal cord measurements in relation to age or sex. There was an increase in the transverse diameter but not i n the anteroposterior diameter in the mid-cervical spinal enlargement. The anteroposterior diameter decreased linearly. The transverse diame ter and the cross-sectional area increased to a maximum at C5, as did the depth of the anterior median fissure. The cervical spinal cord dia meter was documented to be 15-20% smaller than has commonly been deter mined by autopsy data. Conclusions. Postmyelogram computed tomographic measurements are smaller than those obtained from autopsy data.