Radio-functional analysis of the cervical spine using the Arlen method. A study of 699 subjects. Part One: Methodology.

The authors describe successively the radiological technique and measurement method of Arlen's radio-functional analysis of the cervical spine, the characteristics of antero-posterior cervical spine mobility in a control population and the variations observed in these characteristics according to age and sex. A few typical diagrams of radio-functional analysis obtained in various types of pathology are offered as examples. The ease with the Arlen method can be used in routine practice; its diagnostic and prognostic value and its role in the follow-up of patients with cervical diseases or injuries are emphasized.