Cinemyelographic examination of the cervical spinal canal and the craniovertebral junction: the dentate ligaments.

Abstract

Abstract Cinemyelography of the cervical spinal canal is useful in demonstrating the dynamic aspects of the passage of Pantopaque into that region because a graphic recording of the influence of position, movement and strain can be obtained and examined repeatedly. The posterior cranial fossa, including the foramen magnum, the medullary and the great cistern, the pontine, cerebellopontine and the interpeduncular cistern can also be examined. The dentate ligaments and their appearance during various movements can be recorded and the details of their anatomy and their radiology are described in this paper, particularly in the cervical region. The technique of examination is set out. It consists essentially of the introduction of large quantities (about 15 ml.) of Pantopaque followed by tilting in the prone and both prone oblique positions with simultaneous cinefluorography at 16 f.p.s. The lumbar puncture needle is usually left in situ and the contrast medium removed at the end of the examination by syphonage.