[Age-related changes in the cervical spine studied based on the results of a quantitative analysis of its structural-functional characteristics].

Quantitative parameters characterizing the shape and interlocation of the vertebrae were determined in roentgenograms of 60 healthy persons and of 61 patients suffering from chronic pain syndrome caused by cervical osteochondrosis. The calendar age of the persons examined has correlated mostly with a group of parameters characterizing the shape of vertebrae (the highest correlation was with the length of vertebrae). Using the multiple correlation method the authors have worked out highly reliable (p < 0.00005) regressive models of the calendar age of healthy persons and have confirmed the increased rate of age changes in a cervical segment of the spine in patients suffering from cervical pain syndrome.