Cervical Intervertebral Disc Narrowing?Effects on Intervertebral Foramen (IVF)

Cervical Intervertebral Disc Narrowing?Effects on Intervertebral Foramen (IVF)

Reference:Lu J, Ebraheim NA, Huntoon M, Haman SP. Cervical intervertebral disc space narrowing and size of intervertebral foramina. Clin Orthop. 2000; (370):259-64

C4-5, C5-6, C6-7 IV disc space narrowing was performed on anatomic cervical specimens. After 1mm of narrowing : 25% reduction of IVF area occurred After 2mm of narrowing : 35% reduction of IVF area occurred After 3mm of narrowing : 45% reduction of IVF area occurred

Study Conclusion: After disc space narrowing, compression of a nerve root within the IVF is more likely to occur.

Although this seems like “common sense”, it is important to note that only a 3mm vertical loss of the IV disc space is associated with severe narrowing of the neuroforamen.

Posted on: February 12, 2002

Categories: Cervical Spine