Figure 1.

Four examples of the first CVM stage (CS 1). Note that the inferior borders of the three cervical bodies are not indented but are flat or slightly convex. The uncinate process (uncus) is visible in most images. These processes are situated on either side of the superior face of the vertebral bodies C3 and below. They are bony processes projecting upward that are received by shallow concavities on the lower surface of the adjacent vertebra. The uncinate processes are not considered when in CVM staging.