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European Spine Journal

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01-12-2015 | Original Article

Influence of cervical spine position on the radiographic parameters of the thoracic inlet alignment

Authors: Piotr Janusz, Marcin Tyrakowski, Pawel Glowka, Roosevelt Offoha, Kris Siemionow

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 12/2015

Abstract

Purpose

Cervical sagittal balance is a complex phenomenon, influenced by many factors, which cannot be described by cervical lordosis alone. Attention has been focused on the relationship between T1 slope, thoracic inlet angle, and cervical sagittal balance. However, the effect of cervical position on these parameters has not been evaluated yet. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of cervical flexion and extension on radiographic thoracic inlet parameters.

Methods

60 patients with one level radiculopathy symptoms underwent radiological examination. Mean age was 53 (40–72) years; there were 24 males and 34 females. Lateral standing X-rays of cervical spine were taken on the same day in neutral position, full flexion and full extension. Patients with previous cervical operations or congenital malformations were excluded. Thoracic inlet angle (TIA), neck tilt (NT) and thoracic (T1) slope were measured. Agreement between measurements was assessed and quantified by intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and median error for a single measurement (SEM). The ICC value greater than 0.75 reflected sufficient agreement.

Results

The mean values of the parameters were: (1) for the neutral position: TIA 71.7° ± 9.5°; T1 slope 26.7° ± 6.3°; and NT 44.9° ± 7.2°, (2) In extension: TIA 71.8° ± 9.4°; T1 slope 24.9° ± 7.6°; and NT 46.9° ± 7.2° and (3) In flexion 78.3° ± 10.3°; T1 slope 33.6° ± 7.8°; and NT 44.7° ± 7.4°. An excellent agreement was revealed for all NT measurements (ICC 0.76) and for TIA measured in flexion and neutral position (ICC 0.79). There was insufficient overall and in-pairs agreement for T1 slope measurements.

Conclusions

Neck tilt measurements were not influenced by position of the cervical spine. T1 slope was significantly influenced by flexion and extension of the neck. This puts the concept that TIA is a morphologic parameter into question. This information should be taken into consideration when analyzing lateral radiographs of the cervical spine for clinical decision-making.

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Title: Influence of cervical spine position on the radiographic parameters of the thoracic inlet alignment
Authors: Piotr Janusz
Marcin Tyrakowski
Pawel Glowka
Roosevelt Offoha
Kris Siemionow
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 12/2015
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-4023-x

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Springer Medicine

Influence of cervical spine position on the radiographic parameters of the thoracic inlet alignment

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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