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.