Anatomical observations of the developmental and spondylotic cervical spinal canal in South African blacks and whites.

Cervical vertebral columns (214) of South African black and white cadaver populations were examined and measured to determine the mean midsagittal and transverse diameters of cervical vertebral foramina. Findings reveal that blacks have significantly narrower midsagittal and transverse diameters of their cervical vertebral foramina than do whites. The significance of the findings with particular regard to spondylosis is discussed in some detail. In a discussion on the causes of differences in canal size in the two ethnic groups, the role of heredity and environment was addressed and attention was drawn to the importance and pervasive influence of socioeconomic factors during the early growing years of the child.