Cervical Spine Instability Research Articles

The Utility of Flexion-Extension Radiographs in Degenerative Cervical Spondylolisthesis.

Study Design:Retrospective radiologic analysis.Objective:The aim was to investigate if lateral flexion-extension radiographs identify additional cases of degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis (DCS) that would be missed by obtaining solely neutral upright radiographs, and determine the reliability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis.Summary of Background Data:DCS and instability can be a cause of neck pain, radiculopathy, and even myelopathy. Standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and MRI of the cervical spine will identify most cervical spine pathology, but spondylolisthesis and instability are dynamic issues. Standard imaging may also miss DCS in some cases.Methods:We compared the number of patients who demonstrated cervical spondylolisthesis on lateral neutral and flexion-extension radiographs in addition to MRI. We used established criteria to define instability as ≥2 mm of listhesis on neutral imaging, and ≥1 mm of motion between flexion-extension radiographs.Results:A total of 111 patients (555 cervical levels) were analyzed. In all, 41 patients (36.9%) demonstrated cervical spondylolisthesis on neutral and/or flexion-extension radiographs. Of the 77 levels of spondylolisthesis, 17 (22.1%) were missed on neutral radiographs (P,0.05). Twenty levels (26.0%) were missed when flexion-extension radiographs were used alone (P=0.02). Twenty-nine levels (37.7%) of DCS identified on radiograph were missed by MRI (P=0.004).Conclusions:Lateral flexion-extension views can be useful in the diagnosis of DCS. These views provide value by identifying a significant cohort of patients that would be undiagnosed based on neutral radiographs alone. Moreover, MRI missed 38% of DCS cases identified by radiographs. Therefore, lateral radiographs can be a useful adjunct to neutral radiographs and MRI when instability is suspected or if these imaging modalities are unable to identify the source of a patient’s neck or arm pain.

EP459: Rare clinical gene variant of SOX9: Acampomelic campomelic dysplasia

eP459: Rare clinical gene variant of SOX9: Acampomelic campomelic dysplasia

Complications associated with subaxial placement of pedicle screws versus lateral mass screws in the cervical spine: systematic review and meta-analysis comprising 1768 patients and 8636 screws.

Lateral mass screw (LMS) fixation for the treatment of subaxial cervical spine instability or deformity has been traditionally associated with few neurovascular complications. However, cervical pedicle screw (CPS) fixation has recently increased in popularity, especially with navigation assistance, because of the higher pullout strength of the pedicle screws. To their knowledge, the authors conducted the first meta-analysis comparing the complication rates during and/or after CPS and LMS placement for different pathologies causing cervical spine instability. A systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase from inception to January 12, 2021 was performed to identify studies reporting CPS and/or LMS-related complications. Complications were categorized into intraoperative and early postoperative (within 30days of surgery) and late postoperative (after 30days from surgery) complications. All studies that met the prespecified inclusion criteria were pooled and cumulatively analyzed. A total of 24 studies were conducted during the time frame of the search and comprising 1768 participants and 8636 subaxially placed screws met the inclusion criteria. The CPS group experienced significantly more postoperative C5 palsy (odds ratio [OR] = 3.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27-9.53, p < 0.05). Otherwise, there were no significant differences between the LMS and CPS groups. There were no significant differences between the CPS and LMS groups in terms of neurovascular procedure-related complications other than significantly more C5 palsy in the CPS group.

Parameters of sagittal balance in view of studies on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis with cervical spine instability.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammation, with cervical spine instability being one of the consequences. The instability may lead to myelopathy and even death of the patient due to compression on the spinal vessels and nerve structures of the cervical section. Sagittal balance is one of the issues that has recently contributed to deepening the understanding of spine pathology. As regards RA, sagittal balance is of particular importance due to the nature of the disease, which naturally leads to damage in the physiological joints stabilisers. Joints damaged in the course of the disease become particularly vulnerable to biomechanical balance disorders. Managing patients suffering from RA with cervical spine instability is a serious issue. The literature pays little attention to the sagittal balance in patients suffering from RA. The goal of this paper is to draw attention to the selected parameters of sagittal balance and their mutual relations, as regards cervical spine.

Increased Cervical Spinal Instability is Associated With the Development of Proximal-type Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy.

Retrospective cohort study. We aimed to clarify the clinical relationship between the etiology of proximal-type cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) and cervical sagittal alignment and instability. Although several researchers have discussed hypotheses regarding the etiology of CSA, the trigger and mechanism underlying the onset remain unclear. We retrospectively analyzed 52 proximal-type CSA patients (CSA group) and 60 control patients (Control group). The following data were collected: age; sex; cervical lordosis (CL); T1 slope (TS); TS-CL; C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) on x-ray in the neutral position; flexion angle; extension angle and range of motion (ROM) of C3/4, C4/5 and C5/6; and C3/4, C4/5 and C5/6 instability (translation of >3 mm for adjacent segmental segments) on dynamic x-ray. Compared with the Control group, the CSA group was associated with an older age (mean age, 67.6 vs. 61.1 years' old, P= 0.029) and male sex (78.8% vs. 50.0%, P= 0.002). In the CSA group, the radiographic parameters showed smaller C4/5 and C5/6 extension angles and C5/6 ROM values and a greater C3/4 flexion angle than the Control group. Furthermore, compared with the Control group, the CSA group was associated with C3/4 instability (13.5% vs. 3.3%, P= 0.049) and C4/5 (21.2% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.003). A logistic regression analysis, with adjusting for the age and sex, showed that the C3/4 flexion angle (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08- 1.40, P =0.002), C3/4 instability (OR, 7.3; 95% CI 1.25-42.96, P =0.027) and C4/5 instability (OR, 8.1; 95% CI, 1.56-42.19, P = 0.012) were independent risk factors of CSA. This study suggested that a wide C3/4 flexion angle and high C3/4 or C4/5 spinal instability were closely associated with the etiology of proximal-type CSA.

Atlantoaxial and Subaxial Cervical Spinal Instability in Two Cases with Neurofibromatosis-Type 1.

This is a report of two patients who were diagnosed to have NF-1. The patients had severe dystrophic soft tissue and bone changes leading to craniovertebral junction and subaxial cervical spinal instability and deformity. Both the patients underwent atlantoaxial and subaxial cervical spinal stabilization. No bone, soft tissue or tumor resection was done for decompression. Both patients had gratifying clinical recovery. Follow-up in both the patients is more than 12 months.

Tracheal intubation with King Vision video laryngoscope in patients with cervical spine instability-Comparison of straight versus curved reinforced endotracheal tubes.

Background and Aims:King Vision video laryngoscope is commonly used to facilitate intubation in corrective surgery for cervical spine instability patients due to less manipulation. Curved and straight reinforced tracheal tubes are regularly used in this surgery as neck of the patient is likely to be flexed. We aimed to compare intubation characteristics between the curved and straight reinforced tubes through King Vision video laryngoscope in patients to be operated for cervical spine instability with the primary objective being intubation time.Methods:Sixty patients undergoing cervical spine surgery were enroled in this prospective randomised comparative clinical study. All were intubated after applying manual in-line stabilisation of the neck, using either curved (group C) or straight (group S) reinforced endotracheal tubes through King Vision video laryngoscope. The intubation time, number of attempts, incidence of tube impingement with arytenoids/aryepiglottic folds, optimisation manoeuvres required and complications were observed. Unpaired ‘t’ test and Chi-square test were used to analyse the data using MedCalc software, version 12.5.Results:Time taken for intubation was shorter with curved compared to straight reinforced tube (16.24 ± 3.09 vs. 29.08 ± 5.48 seconds, P < 0.0001) The first attempt success rate was higher using curved than straight reinforced tube (93.3% vs. 70%, P = 0.02). Incidences of impingement with arytenoids/ aryepiglottic folds and optimisation manoeuvres required more with the straight reinforced tube.Conclusion:The intubation was fast and with higher first attempt success rate with curved than with straight reinforced tube through King Vision videolaryngoscope when used in patients with cervical spine instability.

Ten-year clinical and radiographic results of computer-assisted cervical pedicle screw fixation combined with laminoplasty

ObjectiveCervical pedicle screw (CPS) fixation is widely used for the treatment of cervical spinal instability from various causes; however, there are few reports on the long-term outcomes of this procedure. The present study evaluated the 10-year results of CPS fixation for cervical instability. MethodsThe medical records of 13 consecutive patients who underwent computer-guided CPS fixation for cervical instability were reviewed. The mean observation period was 153 months. Evaluated items included Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and C2-7 lordotic angle before surgery and at 5 and 10 years afterwards. Visual analog scale (VAS) scores for neck pain and radiological evidence of adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) at 10 years of follow-up were also assessed. ResultsMean JOA score significantly improved from 9.4 points before surgery to 13.2 points at 5 years after surgery (p < 0.001), followed next by a slight reduction to 11.6 points at 10 years postoperatively. C2-7 lordotic angle tended to decrease from 7.9° preoperatively to 5.3° at 10 years after surgery. No clinically significant complications, such as neurovascular injury caused by screw misplacement, were observed. The mean VAS score for neck pain was 31.7 points at the study endpoint, and ASD rate was 23.1%. ConclusionsAt 10 years after CPS fixation, mean JOA score was improved without symptoms indicative of cervical myelopathy recurrence. Our long-term results confirm that computer-assisted CPS fixation is useful for treating cervical instability.

Upper cervical spine instability due to pyogenic infection successfully treated by one stage posterior debridement and stabilization: Case Report and literature review

Pyogenic osteomyelitis of the upper cervical spine is a rare condition associated with different clinical symptoms and signs. Previous studies have stressed the difficulties in making the diagnosis due to its unusual location and relatively rare occurrence. We hereby describe a case of a 65-year-old man with pyogenic infection of the craniocervical junction up to the axis with severe instability managed by posterior fusion from occiput to C6, an open biopsy from C1–C2 lesions and irrigation and debridement. On follow-up visit at two years, our patient had recovered completely. We present this case to show that the posterior approach without the anterior transoral approach is a valid surgical option in such cases. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of stabilization to successfully treat spine osteomyelitis and summarize the literature available discussing upper cervical spine infection treatment options.

Adjacent Segment Disease Associated with Klippel-Feil Syndrome: A New Classification System with Corresponding Therapeutic Options

Background Klippel-Feil Syndrome (KFS) is described as the clinical triad of short neck, low posterior hairline, and limitation of neck mobility. Objective Topresent our clinical experience with KFS patients who also had adjacent segment disease (ASD) and to propose a novel classification system for these patients. Methods This retrospective study was performed in the neurosurgery department of our tertiary care center. Data were gathered using the medical records of 22 KFS patients (10 males, 12 females) with ASD. Diagnosis was confirmed with imaging modalities including X-ray, computerized tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical and radiological findings as well as therapeutic outcomes were noted. Results The average age of our series was 56.09 (range: 41 to 67) years. The operative technique was selected as for our novel “Yilmaz-Yucesoy Classification System”. Accordingly, one patient (4.54 %) received non-surgical treatment (Yilmaz-Yucesoy Grade 1), six cases (27.27 %) underwent anterior cervical arthroplasty, seven patients (31.81 %) underwent anterior cervical discectomy or corpectomy and fusion with cervical cage and plate (Yilmaz-Yucesoy Grade 3). Eight patients (36.36 %) with cervical spinal instability had anterior cervical discectomy or corpectomy and fusion with cervical cage and plate (Yilmaz-Yucesoy Grade 4). No mortality or remarkable complications were detected. Conclusion Appropriate and timely recognition and classification of patients with KFS and ASD based on our newly proposed “Yilmaz-Yucesoy Classification System” yielded promising treatment outcomes. However, further prospective, randomized, controlled trials are warranted on larger series to validate our preliminary results.

Management of Cervical Spine Fractures: A Literature Review.

The unique anatomy and flexibility of the cervical spine predispose it to a risk of injury. Trauma to the cervical spine encompasses a wide range of injuries from minor muscular strains to life-threatening fracture-dislocations associated with spinal cord lesions. Initial assessment and management should follow the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols with adequate protection of the cervical spine through triple immobilisation to prevent any unnecessary movement, which can make the patient susceptible to further neurological injuries. Although the presence of cervical spine injury is very often overt, reliance on clinical examination alone is sometimes not sufficient and potentially requires further imaging. Clinical decision rules such as the Canadian C-Spine Rule are frequently used to risk-stratify patients needing radiography. The level of cervical spine instability and knowledge of their unique classification systems is of paramount importance and assists in the decision-making process to guide definitive management. In this review, we also propose an algorithm to aid the initial management of a patient with suspected cervical spine injury in the emergency department.

Optimizing Safety in Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Surgery for Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a common genetic condition associated with structural and functional velopharyngeal anomalies. However, not all patients with 22q11.2DS presenting for treatment will have an established diagnosis and/or have been evaluated for critical medical comorbidities including congenital cardiovascular anomalies, bleeding diatheses, hypocalcemia, and cervical spine instability. When considering surgical management for patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), it is imperative to be aware of the clinical features of 22q11.2DS to avoid serious morbidity and mortality. This is illustrated here with 2 case examples. First, a 10-year-old male with 22q11.2DS presented at 6 years old for treatment of VPI associated with submucous cleft palate. Preoperative computed tomographic angiography revealed right carotid artery tortuosity and retropharyngeal displacement, while intraoperative Doppler ultrasound confirmed carotid artery medialization at the base of the proposed flap. Consequently, he underwent Furlow palatoplasty instead of pharyngeal flap. Second, a 5-year-old male with 22q11.2DS presented at 4 years old for treatment of VPI. Palatal lengthening with double-opposing buccal flaps was performed to mitigate the risk for carotid artery injury, need for preoperative imaging, and risk for developing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Right carotid artery medialization was seen intraoperatively as marked pulsations. Both patients underwent cardiac and anesthesia evaluations prior to surgery given their histories of congenital heart defects (CHD) and prior postoperative hypocalcemia.

Clinical and genetic characteristics and orthopedic manifestations of the Saul–Wilson syndrome in two Russian patients

Background. SaulWilson syndrome (SWS, microcephalic osteodysplastic dysplasia) is a rare genetic variant of skeletal dysplasia and is determined based on the modern classification for thin bone dysplasias. To date, 16 patients with SWS from different countries have been identified.&#x0D; Clinical cases. We presented the first description of the clinical and genetic characteristics of two Russian patients with SWS and compared them with published data. The main clinical manifestations of SWS are characterized by a combination of nanism and pathology of long tubular bones, spine, and eyes. Changes in the phenotype of patients in different age groups were analyzed.&#x0D; Discussion. In the analysis of the clinical manifestations of the observed patients and patients described in the literature, typical dysmorphic features of the face and radiographic data help in the diagnosis of SWS upon clinical examination. In the majority of the described patients, the nucleotide substitution c.1546GA is the major mutation in the gene responsible for SWS, which leads to the replacement of the amino acid Gly516Arg in the protein molecule.&#x0D; Conclusion. Based on the identified specific features of the phenotype of patients with SWS and the presence of a major mutation in the COG4 gene, a priority analysis of gene mutations is necessary. Orthopedic manifestations of SWS can lead to life-threatening conditions (cervical spine instability) and motor limitations (progressive osteoarthritis) and thus should be monitored dynamically.

Assessment of hemodynamics in the vertebral arteries with instability of the cervical vertebrae and uncovertebral arthrosis with functional tests

Instability of the cervical vertebrae and uncovertebral arthrosis are often the cause of hemodynamic disorders in the vertebral arteries. The aim of the investigation was to perform Doppler analysis of the parameters of blood flow in the vertebral arteries in patients with instability of the cervical spine (CS) and uncovertebral arthrosis with functional tests. Materials and methods. We examined 43 patients aged 18 to 44 years with CS instability, in 34 cases in combination with uncovertebral arthrosis (UVA). Determined Vs, Vd, RI, PI, MFV at the level in the second segment of the VA in the neutral position of the head and functional tests. Instability and uncovertebral arthrosis were diagnosed by radiography of the neck in frontal and lateral projections. Doppler sonography was performed on a Philips HD 11XE device using linear and microconvection sensors in the frequency range of 5-10 MHz Results. In patients with antilisthesis, the Vs value in the extension position was 32.1 ± 3.4 cm / s, RI - 0.71 ± 0.03, CCV - 84 ± 7 ml / min, significantly (P &lt;0.05) lower than in the case of retrolisthesis and in comparison group (CG). With head flexion, the lowest Vs value was found in the group with retrolisthesis and was 31.5 ± 3.1 cm / s, RI – 0.72 ± 0.03, CCV – 87 ± 8 ml / min, significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower than with antelisthesis and in CG. In the case of left localization of UVA, the lowest Vs value was recorded in the left VA during ipsilateral head rotation and amounted to 31.2 ± 2.9 cm / s, RI index - 0.72 ± 0.03, PI - 1.03 ± 0.06, and MFV - 85 ± 9 ml / min, reliably (P&lt;0,05) are lower than the indices of the right VA with right-sided localization of UVA. In right-sided uncovertebral arthrosis, Vs in the right VA had the smallest value and amounted to 30.4 ± 3.2 cm / s, RI index - 0.73 ± 0.03, PI - 1.04 ± 0.06, MFV - 81 ± 8 ml / min, respectively. These indices significantly (P &lt;0.05) differed from the indices of the left VA in the case of left-sided localization of UVA. Conclusions. With antelisthesis, the deterioration of blood flow parameters in the form of a decrease in systolic peak velocity and minute blood volume, as well as an increase in resistance and pulsation indices, occurs during extension, and in retrolisthesis, on the contrary, with bending of the head. With uncovertebral arthrosis, the deterioration of hemodynamic parameters is better manifested with rotational head movements. A decrease in the systolic velocity and minute volume of blood flow, an increase in the indices of resistance and pulsation occur during impsilateral rotation of the head on the side of arthrosis. Key words: instability of the cervical vertebrae, uncovertebral arthrosis, duplex scanning, vertebral arteries, functional tests.

Imaging of cervical spine involvement in inflammatory arthropathies: a review

The cervical spine can be affected by many types of inflammatory arthropathies, and the most common autoimmune diseases with cervical spine involvement are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The clinical symptoms of cervical spine pathologies are often nonspecific or absent; therefore, imaging plays a crucial diagnostic role. RA is the most prevalent autoimmune disease; it often leads to cervical spine instability and subsequent myelopathy. In SpA, due to new bone formation, the characteristic lesions include syndesmophytes, parasyndesmophytes, and bone ankylosis, but instabilities are rare. In JIA, early apophyseal bone ankylosis is characteristic, in addition to impaired spinal growth. The aim of this review article is to discuss the imaging pathologies found in patients with RA, SpA, and JIA in the early and advanced stages. This knowledge would be helpful in the proper diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

Quality Indicators for Evaluating the Health Care of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Korean Expert Consensus.

BackgroundThere is increasing interest in the quality of health care and considerable efforts are being made to improve it. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that can result in favorable outcomes when appropriate diagnosis and treatment are provided. However, several studies have shown that RA is often managed inappropriately. Therefore, the Korean College of Rheumatology aimed to develop quality indicators (QIs) to evaluate and improve the health care of patients with RA.MethodsPreliminary QIs were derived based on the existing guidelines and QIs for RA. The final QIs were determined through two separate consensus meetings of experts. The consensus was achieved through a panel of experts who voted using the modified Delphi method.ResultsFourteen final QIs were selected among 70 preliminary QIs. These included early referral to and regular follow-up with a rheumatologist, radiographs of the hands and feet, early initiation and maintenance of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy, periodic assessment of disease activity, screening for drug safety and comorbidities, including viral hepatitis and tuberculosis before biologic DMARD therapy, periodic laboratory testing, supplementation with folic acid, assessment of the risk for cervical spine instability before general anesthesia, patient education, and specialized nurse.ConclusionThese QIs can be used to assess and improve the quality of health care for patients with RA.

Atlantoaxial subluxation in the pediatric patient: Case series and literature review

Objective: Atlantoaxial subluxation (AAS) occurs when there is misalignment of the atlantoaxial joint. Several etiologies confer increased risk of AAS in children, including neck trauma, inflammation, infection, or inherent ligamentous laxity of the cervical spine. Methods: A single-center, retrospective case review was performed. Thirty-four patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of S13.1 were identified. Demographics and clinical data were reviewed for etiology, imaging techniques, treatment, and clinical outcome. Results: Out of thirty-four patients, twenty-two suffered cervical spine trauma, seven presented with Grisel’s Syndrome, four presented with ligamentous laxity, and one had an unrecognizable etiology. Most diagnoses of cervical spine subluxation and/or instability were detected on computerized tomography (CT), while radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were largely performed for follow-up monitoring. Six patients underwent cervical spine fusion, five had halo traction, twelve wore a hard and/or soft collar without having surgery or halo traction, and eight were referred to physical therapy without other interventions. Conclusion: Pediatric patients with atlantoaxial subluxation may benefit from limited 3D CT scans of the upper cervical spine for accurate diagnosis. Conservative treatment with hard cervical collar and immobilization after reduction may be attempted, but halo traction and halo vest immobilization may be necessary. If non-operative treatment fails, cervical spine internal reduction and fixation may be necessary to maintain normal C1-C2 alignment.

The Value of Functional Multislice Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Instability of the Cervical Spinal Motion Segments

Objective. Instability of the vertebral motion segments is a very urgent problem of medicine, since it has very serious consequences. Today, search for optimal diagnostic methods continues. The authors propose a new diagnostic technique - functional multislice computed tomography (fMSCT). The objective of the study was to investigate the efficiency of the technique versus radiography. Material and methods . The new technique was used to examine 35 patients with a referral diagnosis of cervical spinal instability, who had previously undergone cervical spine radiography in the frontal and lateral projections. Results. Instability of the spinal motion joints in its clinical manifestations is similar to the hypermobility of the cervical spine. According to the results of fMSCT, the occurrence of signs of instability and hypermobility was assessed. When performing fMSCT, compression of the spinal canal was detected in 48.6% of patients, compression of the spinal roots was revealed in 85.7%. Violation of the integrity of the anterior and posterior support complexes was registered in 11.4% and 97.1% of patients, respectively. Conclusion . The developed fMSCT technique allows to accurately assess both the statics and dynamics of the spine and, unlike radiography, to diagnose ventral and dorsal vertebral displacements. The technique is recommended for widespread use in clinical practice.

Cervical spine instability and canal stenosis caused by rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that impacts on weakening ligaments, synovial arthritis and cartilage damage. The effect that can occur is instability and neural compression in the upper and sub-axial cervical. The prevalence of atlantoaxial instability (AAI) is around 40-80% among rheumatoid patients, but it is interesting to examine the clinical symptoms that are not so visible despite radiological instability confirmed on the cervical spine. However, once the clinical symptoms of myelopathy occur, the mortality rate will increase sharply.&#x0D; We report a case of a 66-years old female who was admitted to our hospital with gait disturbance and weakness of her lower extremities. Radiographic evaluation of the cervical spine showed erosive destruction of the odontoid process of C2, anterior atlantoaxial subluxation, and thickened yellow ligaments from C3 to C7. Surgery was performed by removal of the posterior arch of C1 and laminectomy C3 to C7, posterior occipito-cervical screw fixation from C3 to C7, combined with atlantoaxial transpedicular screw fixation. A sterno sub-occipitomandibular immobilization (SOMI) orthosis was applied for postoperative immobilization for 12 weeks. Improvement of motoric status noted after surgery.

Anatomic evaluation OF SUB-AXIAL cervical spine among Nigerians

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.