The relationship between density variations of transverse ligament tubercles on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and age, gender, or laterality in a large cohort.

BACKGROUND

Transverse ligament tubercles are unique structures that maintain the stability of the upper cervical spine. However, the density variations of tubercles in different clinical contexts or populations have not been carefully studied through multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between density variations in the transverse ligament tubercles, as measured through multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), with age, gender, or laterality.

METHODS

A cohort of 339 Chinese patients that underwent MDCT in the head or neck were recruited. The patients were divided into eight age groups. The densities of the bilateral transverse ligament tubercles were classified through MDCT, and the potential relationship between the density of the tubercles and the age, gender, or laterality was analyzed.

RESULTS

Based on MDCT findings, four different density types of tubercles were identified (type 0-III). Our data suggest that the density of tubercles increased with age (χ = 637.7, p < 0.05). However, the density of tubercles did not correlate with laterality (male: t = 0.217, p > 0.05, female: t = 1.448, p > 0.05) or gender (χ = 5.706, p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The density of the transverse ligament tubercles, as measured through MDCT, shows a stereotyped dynamic pattern, i.e., it apparently increases with age, but neither gender nor laterality significantly contribute to these changes.