Reference values of four measures of craniocervical stability using upright dynamic magnetic resonance imaging

PurposeTo establish reference ranges for four most commonly used diagnostic measures of craniocervical instability (CCI) in three cervical sagittal positions. This necessitated development of a reliable measurement protocol using upright, dynamic MRI (udMRI), to determine differences in the extent of motion between positions, and whether age and sex correlate with these measures.Materials and MethodsDeidentified udMRIs of 50 adults, referred for reasons other than CCI, were captured at three positions (maximal flexion, maximal extension and neutral). Images were analyzed, providing measures of basion-axial interval, basion-axial angle, basion-dens interval (BDI) and the Grabb-Oakes line (GOL) for all three positions (12 measures per participant). All measures were independently recorded by a radiologist and neurosurgeon to determine their reliability. Descriptive statistics, correlations, paired and independent t-tests were used. Mean (+/- 2 SD) identified the reference range for all four measures at each craniocervical position.ResultsThe revised measurement protocol produced inter-rater reliability indices of 0.69-0.97 (moderate-excellent). Fifty adults' (50% male; mean age 41.2 years (+/- 9.7)) reference ranges for all twelve measures were reported. Except for the BDI and GOL when moving between neutral and full flexion, significant extents of movement were identified between the three craniocervical positions for all four measures (p <= 0.005). Only a minor effect of age was found.ConclusionsThis is the first study to provide a rigorous standardized protocol for four diagnostic measures of CCI. Reference ranges are established at mid and ends of sagittal cervical range corresponding to where exacerbations of signs and symptoms are commonly reported.

Automated summary

This study aimed to establish reference ranges for four commonly used diagnostic measures of craniocervical instability (CCI) and develop a reliable measurement protocol using upright dynamic MRI (udMRI) to determine the differences in motion extent between positions and whether age and sex are correlated with these measures. The results provided reference ranges for all four measures at each craniocervical position based on the analysis of udMRIs from 50 adults. The study also found significant differences in motion extent between the three positions for all four measures, with only a minor effect of age.