In vivo changes in the neuroforaminal size at flexion-extension and axial rotation of the cervical spine in healthy persons examined using kinematic magnetic resonance imaging.

STUDY DESIGN: In vivo flexion-extension and axial rotation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the cervical spine were performed inside a positioning device. OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional changes of neuroforaminal size that occur during flexion-extension and axial rotation of the cervical spine in healthy persons. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Kinematic MRI studies of the cervical spine were performed to obtain detailed information about the functional changes that occur in neuroforaminal size during flexion-extention and axial rotation. The results were compared with published data of in vitro functional flexion-extension and axial rotation studies of the cervical spine. METHODS: Inside a positioning device, the cervical spines of 30 healthy persons were examined in a whole-body magnetic resonance scanner from 40 degrees of flexion to 30 degrees of extension at nine different angle positions. In addition, axial rotation was performed at neutral position (0 degrees ) and at 20 degrees and 40 degrees of axial rotation to both sides. The images were analyzed with respect to the neuroforaminal size at each position using a reformatted 3D-FISP sequence. RESULTS: At flexion, widening of the neuroforaminal size of up to 31% (compared with neutral position, 0 degrees ) was observed. Conversely, at extension a decrease in the size of the neuroforamen of up to 20% was recognized. At 20 degrees and 40 degrees of ipsilateral rotation of the head, a reduction in the neuroforaminal size of up to 15% and 23%, respectively, compared with the neutral position was noted. In contrast, a widening of the foraminal size was recognized on the contralateral side of 9% and 20% at 20 degrees and 40 degrees rotation. Statistically significant differences (p <== 0.05) were found in the neuroforaminal size between different degrees of flexion and extension and in addition for axial rotation compared to neutral position (0 degrees ). CONCLUSION: Compared with the results of previous biomechanical studies of human cadaver cervical spines, kinematic MRI provides additional noninvasive data concerning the physiological changes of the neuroforaminal size during flexion-extension and axial rotation in healthy individuals.