Anatomic evaluation OF SUB-AXIAL cervical spine among Nigerians

Abstract

IntroductionCases of tumor, fracture, or rheumatoid arthritis associated with cervical spine instability are now on the increase. An attempt to stabilize the vertebra by the placement of cervical spine screws involves some risk to the spinal cord, vertebral vessels and exiting nerve roots. To better assist injuries that occur to this region without an impingement of neurovascular structures, it is imperative to understand cervical spine anatomy and its possible variations across populations. MethodIn this study, gross morphometry of 80 fully ossified human cervical vertebrae (C3–C7) was carried out. Eleven parameters were measured using digital Vernier calipers. The means and standard errors for linear and area dimensions of the vertebra body, endplates, spinal canal, and spinous and transverse processes were obtained for each vertebra. ResultAll parameters increased progressively down the spine with very few changes at some vertebra level. Spinous process length increased significantly down the vertebrae. Most of these parameters were different from the reports from other populations. ConclusionWe concluded that possible variation in cervical spine morphometry of Nigerians compare to other races exist and should be taken into consideration when designing cervical vertebra related instruments and in any spinal reconstruction surgery as a size of instrument may not be generally fit for all populations.