The cervical neural foramina: correlation of microtomy and CT anatomy.

Abstract

The CT [computed tomography] appearance of the cervical neural foramina and contents is described in detail. Nineteen [human] cervical spine specimens were studied with CT and corresponding cryomicrotomy in direct axial, sagittal, coronal and oblique planes. Both ventral and dorsal nerve roots can be identified in the foramen''s lower portion at or below the disk level. The dorsal nerve roots and ganglion contact the superior facet. The ventral nerve roots contact the uncinate process and bottom of the neural foramen. The ventral nerve roots, dorsal nerve roots and ganglion, and vertebral artery are resolved with current high-resolution CT.