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Morphometric analyses of the cervical superior facets and implications for facet dislocation

International Orthopaedics volume 32, pages 97–101 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

The articular facets of the cervical spine have been well addressed; however, little information is available on the relationship of the superior facets of the cervical spine to traumatic dislocation in the literature. Morphometric analyses of the superior facets of 30 dried cervical spines from C3 to C7 were performed to determine any morphological differences. The angle of the superior facet with respect to the transverse plane was also measured on computed tomography (CT) scans of 30 patients having neck injury without fracture/dislocation. The vertical and surface lengths of the superior facet were significantly lower (P < 0.01) at C6–C7 levels than at C3–5 levels. The anteroposterior diameter of the superior facet was smaller (P < 0.05) at C6 and C7 levels compared to C3–5 levels. Although the superior facet joint surface is in a more coronal orientation in lower cervical vertebrae, the inclination of the superior facet is more horizontal relative to the transverse plane when measured in vivo. A combination of lower height, smaller anteroposterior diameter of the superior facet, and a more horizontally oriented superior facet at C6 and C7 levels in vivo may explain the predilection of translation relative to one another in the lower cervical spine.

Résumé

Les facettes articulaires de la colonne cervicale sont bien analysées cependant une meilleure connaissance des relations de l’articulaire supérieure lors des traumatismes avec luxations de la colonne dans la littérature est possible. L’analyse morphométrique de l’articulaire supérieure a été analysée sur 30 colonnes cervicales de cadavres, de C3 à C7, de façon à analyser les différences morphologiques. L’angle supérieur de l’articulaire a été mesuré sur le scanner de 30 patients ayant présenté un traumatisme cervical sans fracture, ni luxation. Les dimensions verticales et les surfaces de l’articulaire supérieure sont, significativement, moins importantes au niveau C6 et C7 qu’au niveau C3 à C5 (p < 0.01). Le diamètre antéropostérieur de l’articulaire supérieure est également plus petit au niveau de C6 C7 qu’au niveau de C3 C5 (p < 0.05). De la même façon, l’articulaire supérieure est dans un plan plus frontal dans la partie basse de la colonne. L’inclinaison de cette articulaire est, de même, plus horizontale par rapport au plan transversal, mesure in vivo. La combinaison de tous ces facteurs : dimensions moins importantes, petits diamètres, antéropostérieur et facettes supérieures de l’articulaire plus horizontale en C6 C7, expliquent la fréquence des translations relatives possibles des vertèbres dans la partie basse de la colonne et donc la fragilité de cette zone.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University of Ohio, 3065 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA

    Nabil A. Ebraheim, Vishwas Patil, Jiayong Liu & Steve P. Haman

  2. Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Ohio, 3065 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA

    Richard A. Yeasting

Authors
  1. Nabil A. Ebraheim
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  2. Vishwas Patil
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  3. Jiayong Liu
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  4. Steve P. Haman
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  5. Richard A. Yeasting
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Correspondence to Jiayong Liu.

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Ebraheim, N.A., Patil, V., Liu, J. et al. Morphometric analyses of the cervical superior facets and implications for facet dislocation. International Orthopaedics (SICO 32, 97–101 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0286-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0286-5

Keywords

  • Cervical Spine
  • Transverse Plane
  • Degenerative Spondylolisthesis
  • Superior Facet
  • Lower Cervical Spine