Sagittal Diameter of the Cervical Spinal Canal in Children

Abstract
The range of normal values for the sagittal diameter of the cervical spinal canal has been defined for children between the ages of three and eighteen years. The value of these determinations in detection of intraspinal tumor is emphasized. The potential value of their use in assessment of developmental narrowing of the spinal canal is also examined. Through use of the normal minimal sagittal measurements described in this paper and the establishment and use of normal minimal interpediculate distances of the thoracolumbar spine, may permit further evaluation of the clinical importance of the small spinal canal.