ABSTRACT

In this study, midsagittal magnetic resonance images of 194 adults (101 females, 93 males) were evaluated morphologically. It was aimed to reveal the relationship between occipitocervical region and cervical height. The height of cervical vertebral column, height of axis, the distance of foramen magnum, the diameter of spinal canal and spinal cord at the level of C3 were measured. The distance of foramen magnum opening was measured as the distance between basion and opisthion. The correlation of these measurements in males and females, the differences between both sexes and possible effect of age were evaluated. There were positive correlations between the height of cervical vertebral column and axis height and between the distance of foramen magnum opening and spinal canal diameter at the level of C3 in males. There were positive correlations between the height of cervical vertebral column, and axis heigth, the distance of foramen magnum opening and the diameter of spinal canal at the level of C3 in females. There were statistically significant differences between males and females for the height of cervical vertebral column, the distance of foramen magnum opening and the diameter of spinal cord at C3 level. Males had higher values for these measurements. There was a statistically significant difference between the males who were over 40 years old and less than 40 years old when the diameter of spinal cord at the level of C3 was considered. As a result it could be suggested that upper cervical vertebrae changes are more evident in males whereas lower cervical vertebrae changes are more evident in females.