OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between the prevalence of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, depending on the characteristics of the path of the vertebral arteries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 615 volunteers in the study. Patients were divided into groups taking into account the nature of the course of the vertebral arteries. After analyzing the diagnostic images, the information was grouped in Microsoft Excel 2007 tables with statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The rectilinear course of the vessels was 77%, the median age for men was 35 years, for women — 37 years. For women, in 53% of cases, there were no significant changes in the cervical spine. Asymmetry of vessel diameters during rectilinear course was 46—50%, more often in men. The smaller diameter of the vessels was on the right in 33—35%. Asymmetry of vascular diameter was noted in 53—62%, it was more pronounced among men, in 1/3 of cases the smallest diameter was on the right.

CONCLUSION

We noted the predominance of the rectilinear nature of the vascular course in groups of individuals with mild degenerative-dystrophic changes or in the absence of significant changes in the cervical spine. The non-linear nature of the course of the vertebral arteries among men was accompanied by changes in the cervical spine of varying degrees of severity. Among women, there was no significant division into groups according to the severity of degenerative-dystrophic changes in the case of non-linear vascular course. The asymmetry of the diameter reached 62%, more often with a non-linear course of the vessels. The smallest diameter was more often determined on the right.