Anatomic relationships of the cervicothoracic junction.
METHODS
This study analyzed the anatomic relationships between bony structures and soft tissues of the cervicothoracic junction.


OBJECTIVE
To provide composite reference data for intrasegmental and intersegmental gradients of anatomic variation within the cervical-thoracic junction.


BACKGROUND
Because the risk of soft tissue damage during posterior spinal stabilization, an understanding of bony and soft tissue changes in the cervicothoracic junction is necessary.


METHODS
Three-hundred-twenty-four cross-sectional spinal segments from nine spines were analyzed to characterize cervicothoracic junctional anatomy.


RESULTS
There were predictable cranial-to-caudal alterations in both bone and soft tissue anatomy of the cervicothoracic junction. Neural and vascular structures directly anterior to the lateral mass or transverse process and lateral to the pedicle tend to decrease in frequency, whereas measured parameters of the vertebrae increase in size from C5-T3, except for pedicle dimensions that tend to increase at the C7-T1 junction.


CONCLUSIONS
The anatomic changes that occur within the cervicothoracic junction are consistent and predictable, and their recognition should lead to a better appreciation of their clinical implications.
Bailey
A S
AS
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
Stanescu
S
S
Yeasting
R A
RA
Ebraheim
N A
NA
Jackson
W T
WT
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure