Radiographic morphology of normal ring apophyses in the immature cervical spine

Maturation of the vertebral ring apophysis is delayed in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis compared to the normal population

PURPOSE

The ring apophysis is a secondary ossification center on both sides of each vertebral body, to which the annulus of the intervertebral disc inserts. Recently, its pattern of ossification and fusion to the vertebral body was described for the normal growing spine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ossification and fusion of the ring apophysis in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and compare it to the normal growing population.

METHODS

Ring apophysis maturation along the entire thoracic and lumbar spine was analyzed on CT scans of 99 female, pre-operative AIS patients and compared to 134 CT scans of non-scoliotic girls, aged 12 to 20.

RESULTS

The ring apophysis maturation in AIS patients was delayed at all spinal levels in AIS patients compared to non-scoliotic controls. Ossification starts at T4-T11 at age 12, followed by T1-T5 and L3-S1 at age 15. The fusion process in AIS patients continues longer in the midthoracic region as compared to the other regions and as compared to non-scoliotic controls, with many incomplete fusions still at age 20.

CONCLUSION

The ring apophysis maturation in AIS is delayed compared to that in the normal population and lasts longer in the mid/low thoracic spine. Delayed maturation of the spine's most important stabilizer, while the body's dimensions continue to increase, could be part of the patho-mechanism of AIS.

Emergency MRI in Spine Trauma of Children and Adolescents-A Pictorial Review

Severe spinal trauma is uncommon in the pediatric population, but due to the potentially devastating consequences of missed injury, it poses a diagnostic challenge in emergency departments. Diagnostic imaging is often needed to exclude or confirm the injury and to assess its extent. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers an excellent view of both bony and soft tissue structures and their traumatic findings without exposing children to ionizing radiation. Our pictorial review aims to demonstrate the typical traumatic findings, physiological phenomena, and potential pitfalls of emergency MRI in the trauma of the growing spine.

The cervical spine in paediatric radiology

Accurate radiological assessment of the cervical spine is vital in the management of the child presenting with trauma. Compared to an adult's spine, the significant differences in the developmental anatomy (variants or synchondrosis), biomechanics and fracture patterns in the paediatric cervical spine makes assessment difficult, even for experienced radiologists. This review discusses the unique biomechanical factors, developmental anatomy, patterns of injury and imaging strategy in the paediatric population.

Ossification and Fusion of the Vertebral Ring Apophysis as an Important Part of Spinal Maturation

In scoliosis, most of the deformity is in the disc and occurs during the period of rapid growth. The ring apophyses form the insertion of the disc into the vertebral body, they then ossify and fuse to the vertebrae during that same crucial period. Although this must have important implications for the mechanical properties of the spine, relatively little is known of how this process takes place. This study describes the maturation pattern of the ring apophyses in the thoracic and lumbar spine during normal growth. High-resolution CT scans of the spine for indications not related to this study were included. Ossification and fusion of each ring apophysis from T1 to the sacrum was classified on midsagittal and midcoronal images (4 points per ring) by two observers. The ring apophysis maturation (RAM) was compared between different ages, sexes, and spinal levels. The RAM strongly correlated with age (R = 0.892, p < 0.001). Maturation differed in different regions of the spine and between sexes. High thoracic and low lumbar levels fused earlier in both groups, but, around the peak of the growth spurt, in girls the mid-thoracic levels were less mature than in boys, which may have implications for the development of scoliosis.

Radiographic/MR Imaging Correlation of Paravertebral Ossifications in Ligaments and Bony Vertebral Outgrowths: Anatomy, Early Detection, and Clinical Impact

This article focuses on the variety of imaging features of paravertebral ossifications that are of practical interest in the diagnosis of diseases. The spinal anatomy is reviewed and correlated to paravertebral ligamentous ossifications and their potential clinical impact. A vertebral bony outgrowth is secondary to inflammation or degeneration and can be characterized based on its origin and growth direction, in addition to appreciation of intervertebral disc space preservation or loss. Imaging in rheumatology patients is highlighted because early detection of disease is of increasing importance. A correlation between radiographs and MR imaging is made.

A framework for the radiologic diagnosis of skeletal dysplasias and syndromes as revealed by molecular genetics

This article simplifies the radiologic diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia by first presenting an ordered approach for analysis of standard radiographs done for skeletal dysplasias. With that foundation, a more detailed discussion of three separate families of skeletal disorders follows. Similarities among dysplasia group members are discussed to provide a certain connectedness among dysplasias. The paper also elucidates the scientific basis behind the radiographic findings so that previously purely descriptive terms have the weight of understanding behind them.