OBJECTIVETo explore the relationship between the abnormality curvature of cervical spine and pathogenesy of cervical spondylosis, in order to provide a new way in diagnosis of cervical spondylosis.

METHODSThere were two groups in the study, which were non-cervical spondylosis group (with heath adults) and cervical spondylosis group. From March 2006 to December 2008, 333 patients (out-patients in department of orthopaedics of Shuguang hospital) in cervical spondylosis group, which were 119 males, 214 females with an average age of (48.11 +/- 12.21) years. There were 73 subjects in non-cervical spondylosis group, which was 18 males, 55 females with an average age of (45.99 +/- 11.47) years. Based on the lateral view X-ray pictures of cervical spine, the abnormality curvature and character of cervical spine were studied in two groups.

RESULTSThe incidence rate in abnormality curvature of cervical spine in cervical spondylosis group (achieved to 95.50%) was more than that of non-cervical spondylosis group, there was significant difference between two groups (P = 0.000 < 0.01). Furthermore, the patterns of the abnormality curvature of cervical spine in cervical spondylosis group was complicated and variegated, of which physiological curvature diminished had 23.12% (77 cases), turn straight had 40.84% (136 cases), increased had 0.60% (2 cases), recurved had 12.01% (40 cases), S shape had 4.20%(14 cases), contra-S shape had 2.70% (9 cases), upper flex and lower straight had 4.50% (15 cases), upper straight and lower flex had 7.51% (25 cases).

CONCLUSIONThe abnormality curvature of cervical spine may be an X-ray diagnostic indication to the cervical spondylosis, which is complicated and variegated. It will provide the guidance for the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spondylosis.