OBJECTIVES: This was a 2-part study. Part 1 evaluated the reliability of measurements of the intervertebral foramina (IVF) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and part 2 developed a morphometric database of IVF dimensions from normal living subjects. DESIGN: Part 1 was a blinded reliability study using 7 observers, and part 2 developed a morphometric database using 2 teams of 3 observers, all blinded to the results of each other. SUBJECTS: Ninety-five normal subjects (46 women, 49 men) were stratified by age (range 14-84 years, average 38.8 years). OUTCOME MEASURES: Part 1: Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for intraobserver and interobserver reliability for 3 dimensions of the lumbar IVFs. Part 2: A database was developed using the same measures. In addition, the relationships between IVF dimensions and age, height, weight, sex, and left versus right sides of subjects were evaluated. RESULTS: Part 1: All ICCs were very high (> 0.94). Part 2: 8550 measurements were made, and a morphometric database of 95 subjects, stratified by age and sex, was completed. Differences in IVF size associated with age, height, weight, sex, and side were described. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements taken from MRI scans of IVFs were performed reliably. The morphometric database and IVF relationships should aid clinicians and researchers in evaluating patients with suspected foraminal stenosis and help further investigate IVF pathology and treatment of such pathology.
OBJECTIVES: This was a 2-part study. Part 1 evaluated the reliability of measurements of the intervertebral foramina (IVF) from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and part 2 developed a morphometric database of IVF dimensions from normal living subjects. DESIGN: Part 1 was a blinded reliability study using 7 observers, and part 2 developed a morphometric database using 2 teams of 3 observers, all blinded to the results of each other. SUBJECTS: Ninety-five normal subjects (46 women, 49 men) were stratified by age (range 14-84 years, average 38.8 years). OUTCOME MEASURES: Part 1: Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for intraobserver and interobserver reliability for 3 dimensions of the lumbar IVFs. Part 2: A database was developed using the same measures. In addition, the relationships between IVF dimensions and age, height, weight, sex, and left versus right sides of subjects were evaluated. RESULTS: Part 1: All ICCs were very high (> 0.94). Part 2: 8550 measurements were made, and a morphometric database of 95 subjects, stratified by age and sex, was completed. Differences in IVF size associated with age, height, weight, sex, and side were described. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements taken from MRI scans of IVFs were performed reliably. The morphometric database and IVF relationships should aid clinicians and researchers in evaluating patients with suspected foraminal stenosis and help further investigate IVF pathology and treatment of such pathology.
Authors: Gregory D Cramer; Joe A Cantu; Judith D Pocius; Jerrilyn A Cambron; Ray A McKinnis Journal: J Manipulative Physiol Ther Date: 2010 Mar-Apr Impact factor: 1.437
Authors: Issei Senoo; Alejandro A Espinoza Orías; Howard S An; Gunnar B J Andersson; Daniel K Park; John J Triano; Nozomu Inoue Journal: Spine (Phila Pa 1976) Date: 2014-07-15 Impact factor: 3.468