Abstract:

Objective　The applied anatomy of the spinous process and interspinous space of subaxial cervical spine was studied, and the anatomic parameters were quantified to provide an anatomical basis for further biomechanical studies and for the preparation of interspinous dynamic fixing device.　Methods　Imaging data of a total of 46 persons (22 males and 24 females) who underwent cervical spine CT scans were imported to GE AW4.4 workstation for measurements of  the length, width, height, tilt angle, and interspinous space of the spinous process.　Result　There is a significant difference between males and females. For subaxial spinous process of males, the largest value of length is in C7, and the smallest one is in C3; the largest value of width is in C7, and the smallest one is in C3; the largest value of height is in C7, and the smallest one is in C5; the largest value of tilt angle is in C6, and the smallest one is in C3; the largest value of interspinous space is in C3/C4, and the smallest one is in C6/C7. For subaxial spinous process of females, the largest value of length is in C7, the smallest one is in C3; the largest value of width is in C7, and the smallest one is in C4; the largest value of height is in C7, and the smallest one is in C3; the largest value of tilt angle is in C7, and the smallest one is in C3; the largest value of interspinous space is in C3/C4, and the smallest one is in C6/C7.　Conclusion　This study comprehensively surveyed the related indexes of subaxial cervical spine, including the length, width, height, tilt angle, and interspinous space, which provides the data to support and guide interspinous dynamic fixing device of subaxial cervical spine.

Key words: Subaxial cervical spine, 　Spinous process, 　Anatomy