Posterior Cervical Paraspinal Musculature Morphology: A Cadaveric and CT Scan Study

Abstract

Positive identification of posterior cervical paraspinal muscles were made on computed tomography (CT) scans and correlated with the findings on cadaveric cross-sections of corresponding levels. Two frozen, fixed cervical cadaveric sections were CT scanned at various levels, then sliced cross-sectionally at the appropriate thickness. Individual muscles of the posterior cervical area were then identified on the cadaveric section and the corresponding CT scan section. In both specimens, identification of the individual muscles was possible on CT scan. Detection of normal anatomical variations of the cervical muscles was also possible on CT scans, but muscle fiber orientation was not. It is concluded that positive identification of posterior cervical paraspinal musculature on CT scan is possible. This provides the physical therapist with a greater understanding of both cervical cross-section anatomy and gross anatomy of the posterior cervical paraspinal musculature. Information obtained through CT scanning can assist the physical therapist in treatment of patients with injuries to the soft tissue structures of the cervical spine. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1986;8(1):15-26.