Examining Cervical Intervertebral Disc Morphology with Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective: The examination of cervical intervertebral disc morphology and the distribution based on possible changes with cervical spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is aimed. Methods: The cervical intervertebral discs of 67 patients, who referred to neck pain in 2003, have been studied retrospectively by MRI in sagittal and axial planes. Results: In light of the MRI defects in the anulus fibrosus are detected in 173 levels. In 89 levels the defects are identified as bulging whilst herniation is found in 84 levels. 57 of these herniations are protrusions, and 27 are extrusions. The most common localizations of these hernias are at C5-6 level with 30 samples (36%) and at C6-7 with 22 samples (26%). The ages of the patients range between 22 and 73; the mean age is 43. Conclusion: It is very important to correctly study the changes in the cervical intervertebral disc morphology and the level with MRI for appropriate application of medical and particularly surgical treatment regarding the close anatomical relations in the region.