ASCENDING NERVE ROOTS

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Abstract
The occurrence of ascending nerve roots was investigated in 80 necropsy cases 5 years of age and older. With the head of the specimen in normal erect posture the dissection was made from C3 to at least L4. A pattern conforming to normal description was found in 29% of the cases while 71% showed an anomalous direction in some section of the spine. The majority of those affected were between the ages of 26 and 35 years. Fewer roots were involved in the older specimens. The degree of angulation and downward shift of dura were related to the extent of the anomaly. The most commonly affected roots were C8 to T9. Possible causes of ascending roots such as abnormal differential growth rates between spine and dura; acquired downward displacement of dura; passive fall of dura and cord within spinal canal; and increase in the length of the canal with a shift in position of cord and dura are discussed. Of these the last mentioned cause is stressed. Ascending roots may be more liable to damage and may imperil the blood supply to the cord. They alone, however, do not produce symptoms or pathological changes.