MEASUREMENT OF INTERVERTEBRAL FORAMEN VOLUME USING SPIRAL COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY IN DEGENERATIVE SPINE DISEASE

Abstract

Objective. To measure the volumes of health and degenerated intervertebral foramina and to analyze correlation between the obtained data and clinical presentation of disease.

Material and Methods. Intervertebral foramen volume was measured in 227 patients with bilateral degenerative disease in the cervical (89), thoracic (28), and lumbar (110) spine, using spiral computed tomography. Bone and soft tissue components of the foramen determined the volume loss in comparison with the opposite side. The loss was considered moderate if the volume decreased by 15–30 % as evidenced by at least one component, marked – by 31–60 % and significant – by more than 60 %.

Results. The volume of intervertebral foramina at all spinal levels in men exceeded that in women. Essential and statistically reliable differences between indicators at both sides were revealed neither in men, nor in women. Correlation between a foramen volume and a patient’s height was revealed: height increase was associated with volume accrual. Direct correlation between indices of intervertebral foramen volume, pain syndrome intensity, and radiculopathy severity was observed.

Conclusions. CT-assisted measurement of intervertebral foramen volume enables determining the rate of its loss from both bone and soft-tissue components. As well as any other results of additional investigation, digital parameters should be estimated in a complex, taking into account clinical presentation of disease.