The influence of cervical traction, compression, and spurling test on cervical intervertebral foramen size.
METHODS
A comparative measurement design investigating the C4-Th1 intervertebral foramen under simulated clinical tests for cervical radiculopathy using magnetic resonance imaging.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional changes in the cervical intervertebral foramen during the axial compression test (ACT), axial distraction test (DT), and Spurling test (SST).


BACKGROUND
Although alterations of the cross-sectional area of the cervical intervertebral foramen during flexion/extension and rotation have been reported, there are no studies that have measured functional changes in foramen cross-sectional area (FCSA) or shape during the simulation of clinical tests for cervical radiculopathy.


METHODS
23 participants (12 men, age: 24.52 years) without history of significant spinal disorders were studied. The 3-dimensional sequence of the magnetic resonance imaging of the foramen was performed with a 0.2-T horizontally open unit. Measurements were taken of FCSA and foramen shape (ratio of foramen height to FCSA). These measurements were conducted under 4 different conditions; control-resting in supine, DT-neck in neutral with a 12 kg distraction force, ACT-neck in neutral with a 7 kg axial compression force, SST-the cervical spine was extended (12.79 degrees ), rotated (63.36 degrees ), and laterally flexed (28.49 degrees ), in a standardized manner.


RESULTS
At all levels except for C7-Th1, the FCSA significantly increased (P < 0.05) during the DT to around 120% of control. In contrast, FCSA significantly decreased to approximately 70% of control (P < 0.05) at all levels during the SST. In addition, there were significant differences (P > 0.05) in foramen shape between the ACT and SST condition, but only at the C4-C5 and C5-C6 levels.


CONCLUSIONS
During 3 clinical tests for cervical radiculopathy functional, relevant, and changes in the cervical intervertebral foramen were evident particularly in the middle cervical spine.
Takasaki
Hiroshi
H
Shinoro Orthopedic, Hokkaido, Japan.
Hall
Toby
T
Jull
Gwendolen
G
Kaneko
Shouta
S
Iizawa
Takeshi
T
Ikemoto
Yoshikazu
Y
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000502:physiology*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012399:Rotation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014143:Traction; D055815:Young Adult