• Eiichiro Kagawa, Akimoto Nimura, Hisayo Nasu, Ryuichi Kato, and Keiichi Akita.
• Department of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
• Spine. 2021 Jul 1; 46 (13): E704-E709.

Study DesignObservational, anatomical, cadaveric study.ObjectiveWe anatomically investigated the fibrous connection between the cervical nerves and the zygapophysial joint capsules.Summary Of Background DataCervical spondylotic radiculopathy is caused by the compression of the cervical nerves as the static factor and head and neck movements as the dynamic factor. To understand the dynamic pathology of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, the anatomic relationship between the cervical nerves and the zygapophysial joints needs to be investigated in detail.MethodsIn 11 cadavers, we dissected both sides from the C5 to C7. For macroscopic examination, we observed structures connecting the cervical nerves and the zygapophysial joints in 18 cervical nerves from three cadavers. In 14 sides of eight cadavers, we histologically analyzed the fibrous structures and their attachments.ResultsMacroscopically, the fibrous band connected the cranial surface of the cervical nerve to the lateral and inferior aspects of the transverse process. In four of 18 nerves, the fibrous bands were divided into two fascicles by loose connective tissues. In addition, the fibrous bands extended along the dorsal aspect of the posterior tubercle of the transverse process and attached to the zygapophysial joint capsule. Histologically, densely stained fibrous tissues overlaid the zygapophysial joint capsule and extended to the recess between the posterior tubercle and inferior articular process on the cranial vertebral body.ConclusionWe macroscopically and histologically clarified the fibrous bands connecting the cervical nerve to the zygapophysial joint capsule. The fibrous bands may help clarify the pathology of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy associated with the zygapophysial joints as dynamic factors.Level of Evidence: N/A.Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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