Anatomic considerations of C2 nerve root ganglion.
METHODS
Dissection and observation of the dorsal root ganglion of the second cervical spinal nerve bilaterally.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the position of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and the heights of the C2 ganglion and its corresponding foramen.


BACKGROUND
The dorsal root ganglion has been well studied in the middle and lower cervical spine and in the lumbar spine. In no previous study are the position and height of the C2 dorsal root ganglion and its corresponding foramen described.


METHODS
Fifteen cadaveric cervical spines were exposed posteriorly. The C2 nerve roots and ganglia were dissected between the arch of the atlas and the lamina of the axis. The heights of the C2 ganglion and foramen were measured. The location of the C2 ganglion was also macroscopically observed.


RESULTS
The heights of the C2 ganglion and foramen are 5.7 +/- 0.8 mm and 7.7 +/- 1.2 mm, respectively. The C2 ganglion occupies 76% of the foramen height. All C2 dorsal root ganglia are confined within foramens between the arch of the atlas and the lamina of the axis.


CONCLUSIONS
The C2 dorsal dorsal root ganglia are all proximally placed and occupy most of the foramen height, which may render the C2 ganglion vulnerable to entrapment.
Lu
J
J
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
Ebraheim
N A
NA
D002102:Cadaver; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000293:injuries; D005727:Ganglia, Spinal / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006261:Headache / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008881:Migraine Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology; D009408:Nerve Compression Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000503:physiopathology; D013126:Spinal Nerve Roots / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000503:physiopathology