Mahesh S. Ugale1, R. H. Mayappanavar2, Gauri M. Ugale3, Ramdas G. Survase4
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Conus Medullaris terminates commonly in the lower third of L1 vertebra; but a wide range of values has been reported in cadaver studies as well as in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) studies. There have been only a few reports on the influence of gender and age on Conus Medullaris Termination (CMT). AIM: To study the correlation between the level of Conus Medullaris Termination with age and gender in North Karnataka population. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: A descriptive case control study was done in H.S.K. Hospital, Karnataka. Total 180 patients who underwent MRI scanning for various indications and who had normal MRI were studied for level of Conus Medullaris Termination. RESULTS: Most common level of Conus Medullaris Termination (CMT) overall was 4mm to 6mm above lower border of L1 vertebra; in males 4mm above lower border of L1 vertebra and in females 5mm to 6mm above lower border of L1 vertebra. There is a high positive correlation between the level Conus Medullaris Termination and age in males (r=0.878), in females (r=0.879) and also in male and female patients combined (r=0.859). CONCLUSION: With aging, level of Conus Medullaris Termination goes upwards. There is a high positive correlation between the level Conus Medullaris Termination and age in males (r=0.878), in females (r=0.879) and also in male and female patients combined (r=0.859).
