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Published in: European Spine Journal 8/2012

01-08-2012 | Original Article

Age-related changes in osseous anatomy, alignment, and range of motion of the cervical spine. Part I: Radiographic data from over 1,200 asymptomatic subjects

Authors: Yasutsugu Yukawa, Fumihiko Kato, Kota Suda, Masatsune Yamagata, Takayoshi Ueta

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 8/2012

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Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to establish radiographic standard values for cervical spine morphometry, alignment, and range of motion (ROM) in both male and female in each decade of life between the 3rd and 8th and to elucidate these age-related changes.

Methods

A total of 1,230 asymptomatic volunteers underwent anteroposterior (AP), lateral, flexion, and extension radiography of the cervical spine. There were at least 100 men and 100 women in each decade of life between the 3rd and 8th. AP diameter of the spinal canal, vertebral body, and disc were measured at each level from the 2nd to 7th cervical vertebra (C2–C7). C2–C7 sagittal alignment and ROM during flexion and extension were calculated using a computer digitizer.

Results

The AP diameter of the spinal canal was 15.8 ± 1.5 [mean ± standard deviation (SD)] mm at the mid-C5 level, and 15.5 ± 2.0 mm at the C5/6 disc level. The disc height was 5.8 ± 1.3 mm at the C5/6 level, which was the minimum height, and the maximum height was at the C6/7 level. Both the AP diameter of the spinal canal and disc height decreased gradually with increasing age. The C2–C7 sagittal alignment and total ROM were 13.9 ± 12.3° in lordosis and 55.3 ± 16.0°, respectively. The C2–C7 lordotic angle was 8.0 ± 11.8° in the 3rd decade and increased to 19.7 ± 11.3 in the 8th decade, whereas the C2–C7 ROM was 67.7 ± 17.0° in the 3rd decade and decreased to 45.0 ± 12.5 in the 8th decade. The extension ROM decreased more than the flexion ROM, and lordotic alignment progressed with increasing age. There was a significant difference in C2–C7 alignment and ROM between men and women.

Conclusions

The standard values and age-related changes in cervical anatomy, alignment, and ROM for males and females in each decade between the 3rd and 8th were established. Cervical lordosis in the neutral position develops with aging, while extension ROM decreases gradually. These data will be useful as normal values for the sake of comparison in clinical practice.
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Metadata
Title
Age-related changes in osseous anatomy, alignment, and range of motion of the cervical spine. Part I: Radiographic data from over 1,200 asymptomatic subjects
Authors
Yasutsugu Yukawa
Fumihiko Kato
Kota Suda
Masatsune Yamagata
Takayoshi Ueta
Publication date
01-08-2012
Publisher
Springer-Verlag
Published in
European Spine Journal / Issue 8/2012
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-012-2167-5

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