Sonographic Measurements of normal C5-C8 nerve roots in children.

Introduction The aim of this study was to use ultrasound to measure the cervical nerve roots in normal children to determine normal reference values. Methods A total of 441 children of different ages at the Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were examined by ultrasound. The diameter, circumference, and cross-sectional area of the nerve roots were measured. Results Ultrasonographic measurements were consistent with the ranking C5 < C6 < C7. The C8 nerve root was thicker than C7 in 60% of the participants. The nerve root measurements increased with increasing age, height, weight, and body surface area. Discussion Normal reference ranges of the cervical nerve roots in children of different ages were established, and can serve as the basis for measurement in future studies.