A 22-year-old male asked:
I had a supine mri cervical spine done and was reported as normal. i have symptoms of cervical instability and i measured cxa of 127 degrees, grabb oakes 8.9mm and harris measurement of 12.7mm, no chiari malformation. could 'normal' report be wrong?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Hiep Leanswered
Nephrology and Dialysis 44 years experience
The numbers are not normal with MRI taken at a supine position and they are probably consistent with your condition, cervical instability; however, you should talk to the doctor who ordered the MRI or the radiologist who was reading the images.
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Answered Sep 16, 2021
Dr. Ken Yonemuraanswered
Neurosurgery 32 years experience
The measurements that you have made are only valid on cervical x-rays in a neutral position. Furthermore, cervical MRI scans frequently do not include the occipital cervical junction and axial images routinely start at C2 and extend distally. It would not be unusual for a cervical MRI scan to be read as normal and miss instability at the occipital cervical junction.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Sep 25, 2021
Last updated Sep 30, 2021
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