Quantitative and Comparative Analysis of the Torg-Pavlov Ratio: A comprehensive Cadaveric Study of the cervical segment of the spine in Nigeria.

The canal body ration measured using the anteroposterior aspect of the vertebral body and the anteroposterior aspect of the vertebral canal is known as the 'Torg-Pavlov ratio' and can be used as a fairly accurate diagnostic tool for vertebral stenosis. Measurements were taken on 188 cervical vertebrae which comprised males and females ranging from C2 to C7. The aim of this study was to measure linear dimensions of vertebral body and neural arch elements by regions, determine pattern and degree of relationships and also evaluate its canal to body ratio so as to provide population specific data for Nigerians. Mean values for C2 was 0.75±0.14mm for male and 0.70±0.05mm for females, C3 was 0.80±0.16mm for male and 0.74±0.14mm for female, C4 was 0.81±0.18mm for male and 0.69±0.03mm for female, C5 was 0.80±0.15mm for male and 0.65±0.03mm for female, C6 was 0.82±0.17mm for male and 0.69±0.04mm for female and C7, 0.81±0.13mm for male and 0.76±0.11mm for female. These data will improve current of the understanding of morphological parameters of cervical spine region of Nigerian population. It will also be important in designing spinal implants which would be biomechanically compatible to Nigerians.

Key Words: Cervical vertebrae, Nigerian, spinal canal, Torg-Pavlov ratio