Definition: Given a passage, construct a question on the basis of the information present in the passage. Construct the question in such a way that (i) it is unambiguous, (ii) it is answerable from the passage, (iii) its answer is unique (iv) it answer uses text phrases from the passage. Avoid creating questions that (i) can't be answered correctly without actually understanding the passage and (ii) uses the same words or phrases given in the passage.
Input: Foraminal stenosis is a common cause of cervical radiculopathy. Posterior cervical cages can indirectly increase foraminal area and decompress the nerve root. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of bilateral posterior cervical cages on the surface area and shape of the neural foramen.', 'Radiographic analysis was performed on 43 subjects enrolled in a prospective, multi-center study. CT scans were obtained at baseline and 6- and 12-months after cervical fusion using bilateral posterior cervical cages. The following measurements were performed on CT scan: foraminal area (A), theoretical area (TA), height (H), superior diagonal (DSI), inferior diagonal (DIS), and inferior diagonal without implant (DISI). Comparisons were performed using R-ANOVA with a significance of <0.05.', 'Foraminal area, height, TA and DISI were significantly greater following placement of the implant. The mean (SD) A increased from 4.01 (1.09) mm(2) before surgery to 4.24 (1.00) mm(2) at 6months, and 4.18 (1.05) mm(2) at 12months after surgery (p<0.0001). Foraminal height (H) increased from mean (SD) 9.20 (1.08) mm at baseline to 9.65 (1.06) mm and 9.55 (1.14) mm at 6- and 12-months post-operatively, respectively (p<0.0001). The mean DIS did not change significantly. There was a significant decrease in DSI: 6.18 (1.59) mm pre-operatively, 5.95 (1.47) mm and 5.73 (1.46) mm at 6- and 12-months (p<0.0001).
Output:
Do cervical cages placed bilaterally in the facet joints from a posterior approach significantly increase foraminal area?