Background Data:

There have been no standardized morphometric measurements of the pediatric cervical spine. This study provides the first radiological quantitative analysis of the cervical spine and spinal cord in a series of children.

Purpose:

This study provides the first radiological, MRI based quantitative analysis of the cervical spine and spinal cord in a series of children

Materials - Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 24 pediatric patients who had undergone spinal MRI’s due to various reasons. The morphometric measures of spinal canal to vertebral body ratio (CBR), which is calculated by dividing the antero-posterior diameter of the spinal canal by the antero-posterior diameter the vertebral body, antero-posterior and transverse diameter of the spinal canal and cord, ratio of the antero-posterior diameter to the transverse diameter of the cord (RAPT) and cross-sectional surface area of the dural tube and spinal cord were made.

Results:

There were 8 males and 16 females, with a mean age of 11.79±5.25 years (range 2–17 years). The measurements revealed the AP diameter of the spinal canal at the upper cervical spine levels (C1 and C2 levels) as well as the antero-posterior and transverse diameters of the spinal cord were measured slightly wider than lower levels, however there was no statistically significant difference between genders.

Conclusion:

The revelation of normative radiographic measurements for the developing pediatric cervical spine is important for treatment decisions. Studies like ours will help to provide the basis for appropriate measurements, therefore adequate instrumentation for the pediatric population.

Keywords: Cervical spine, morphometric analysis, pediatric