Posterior ponticles and rotational stenosis of vertebral arteries. A pilot study using Doppler ultrasound velocimetry and magnetic resonance angiography

Haynes, M.J., Cala, L.A., Melsom, A., Mastaglia, F.L., Milne, N. and McGeachie, J.K. (2005) Posterior ponticles and rotational stenosis of vertebral arteries. A pilot study using Doppler ultrasound velocimetry and magnetic resonance angiography. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 28 (5). pp. 323-329.

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether the presence of posterior ponticles markedly increases by 30% or more, the incidence of major rotational stenosis of vertebral arteries.

Methods
Doppler ultrasound studies were performed in 3 private chiropractic clinics and in the radiology department of a public hospital, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) studies were made in the latter location. Thirty-two chiropractic patients had Doppler velocimetery, and 16 of these patients had MRA scanning. The outcome measures included changes in Doppler velocimetry signals and MRA images indicative of marked rotational stenosis of vertebral arteries.

Results
All vertebral arteries from the 32 patients displayed no signs indicative of marked rotational stenosis.

Conclusion
The findings of this study show that the incidence of major rotational stenosis of vertebral arteries is not markedly increased by the presence of posterior ponticles.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publisher:	Mosby Inc.
Copyright:	© 2005 National University of Health Sciences.
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/25709

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