OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between the changes of cervical curvature and atlantoaxial instability. METHODS: The correlation between the changes of cervical curvature and atlantoaxial instability was retrospectively studied in 50 outpatients with abnormal cervical curvature (abnormal cervical curvature group) from January 2018 to December 2019. There were 24 males and 26 females in abnormal cervical curvature group, aged from 18 to 42 years old with an average of(30.62±5.83) years. And 53 patients with normal cervical curvature (normal cervical curvature group) during the same period were matched, including 23 males and 30 females, aged from 21 to 44 years with an average of(31.98±6.11) years. Cervical spine X-ray films of 103 patients were taken in lateral position and open mouth position. Cervical curvature and variance of bilateral lateral atlanto-dental space(VBLADS) were measured and recorded, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was used to study the correlation between the changes of cervical curvature and atlantoaxial instability. RESULTS: Atlantoaxial joint instability accounted for 39.6%(21/53) in normal cervical curvature group and 84.0%(42/50) in abnormal cervical curvature group. There was significant difference between two groups(P<0.01). VBLADS in abnormal cervical curvature group was (1.79±1.01) mm, which was significantly higher than that in normal cervical curvature group(0.55±0.75) mm(P<0.01). Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed that the size of cervical curvature was negatively correlated with VBLADS. CONCLUSION Cervical curvature straightening and inverse arch are the cause of atlantoaxial instability, the smaller the cervical curvature, the more serious the atlantoaxial instability.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Atlanto-Axial Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging* ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Instability/diagnostic imaging* ; Kyphosis ; Male ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical symptoms and X-ray imaging features of cervical instability in young adult represented by postgraduates with a master's degree in medicine. METHODS: Totally 91 postgraduates with a master's degree in medicine were investigated from September to December 2021, including 45 males and 46 females;aged from 22 to 30 years old with an average of (25.30±2.18) years old. The cervical spondylosis-related discomfort symptoms of the subjects were collected and examined by the examiner for neck and shoulder tenderness point examination and cervical vertebra positive and lateral and functional X-ray radiography. According to the results of X-ray examination, the subjects were divided into stable cervical group and unstable cervical group. RESULTS: Among 91 subjects, there were 50 patients with cervical instability, accounting for 54.90% of total number of subjects. The cervical curvature was abnormal in 78 patients, accounting for 85.70% of total number of subjects. Among 50 patients with cervical instability, 50 patients were diagnosed as cervical instability on the basis of angular displaxement(AD)≥ 11 °, including 13 cases of C_3,4 instability, 30 cases of C_4,5 instability and 7 cases of C_5,6 instability;and 5 cases were diagnosed as cervical instability based on horizontal displacement(HD)≥ 3.5 mm, including 1 case of C_3,4 instability and 4 cases of C_4,5 instability. Compared with stable cervical group, the number of discomfort symptoms of neck pain, headache and shoulder pain in instability group was significantly higher than that of in stable cervical group(P<0.05);and the number of tenderness in spinous process space of C_4,5 and C_5,6, 2 cm adjacent to the spinous process of C₂-C₅ and the superior angle of the scapula (the stop point of levator scapulae) in the instability group was significantly higher than that in the stable cervical group (P<0.05);and the cervical curvature in the instability group was significantly lower than that in stable cervical group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION The incidence of cervical instability in young adult represented by postgraduates with a master's degree in medicine is high, they are mainly diagnosed as cervical instability on the basis of vertebral angular displacement ≥ 11°, and the instability segments are concentrated on C_3,4, C_4,5 and C_5,6 segments, the occurrence of cervical instability is often accompanied by abnormalities of cervical curvature. Most of clinical manifestations are head, neck and shoulder pain, especially neck pain in unstable segment.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Neck Pain/etiology* ; Shoulder Pain ; Spinal Diseases ; Radiography ; Spondylosis/diagnostic imaging* ; Joint Instability/diagnostic imaging* ; Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging*

Objective To summarize clinical characteristics and investigate possible pathogenic gene of Klippel-Feil syndrome(KFS)by the self-designed multigene panel sequencing,so as to decipher the molecular basis for early diagnosis and targeted therapy.Methods From January 2015 to December 2018,we consecutively recruited 25 patients who were diagnosed with KFS in Peking Union Medical College Hospital.The demographic information,clinical manifestations,physical examination and radiological assessments were analyzed.Multigene panel sequencing was performed after DNA extraction from peripheral blood.The possible pathogenic mutations of KFS were explored on the basis of bioinformatics analysis.Results The KFS cohort consisted of 25 patients,including 15 males and 10 females,with a mean age of(12.9±7.3)years.Limited cervical range of motion was the most common clinical feature(12 cases,48%).Based on the Samartzis classification,the proportion of patients suffered from short neck(P=0.031)and limited cervical range of motion(P=0.026)in type Ⅲ KFS was significantly higher than that in type Ⅱ and type Ⅰ KFS.Panel sequencing detected a total of 11 pathogenic missense mutations in eight patients,including COL6A1,COL6A2,CDAN1,GLI3,FLNB,CHRNG,MYH3,POR,and TNXB.There was no pathogenic mutation found in five reported pathogenic genes(GDF6,MEOX1,GDF3,MYO18B and RIPPLY2)associated with KFS.Conclusions Our study has shown that patients with multiple contiguous cervical fusions are more likely to manifest short neck,limited cervical range of motion,and clinical triad.Therefore,these patients need additional attention and follow-up.Our analysis highlights novel KFS-related genetic variants,such as COL6A and CDAN1,extending the spectrum of known mutations contributing to this syndrome and providing a basis for elucidating the pathogenesis of KFS.
Cervical Vertebrae ; Child ; Cohort Studies ; Female ; Glycoproteins ; Humans ; Klippel-Feil Syndrome/genetics* ; Male ; Mutation ; Nuclear Proteins ; Radiography ; Transcription Factors/genetics*

To establish an intelligent cervical vertebra maturity assessment system, and to evaluate the reliability and clinical value of the system. Sixty children aged were recruited in the study. Lateral cephalometric radiograph and cone beam CT (CBCT) were taken at the same period. Based on the CBCT data, the system automatically extracted the patient's facial area through Otsu's method, intercepted the sagittal plane by three-dimensional least squares method, captured the second to fourth cervical vertebrae by superpixel segmentation. And then selected points were marked automatically through morphological algorithm and manual method. Consistency test was performed on the two sets of data to compare the reliability of automated cervical morphology capture. According to the parameters of morphological identification, positioning and staging algorithms were designed to form the intelligent cervical vertebra maturity assessment system. The cervical vertebra maturity was also judged manually on the lateral cephalometric radiograph. The weighted Kappa test and the Gamma correlation coefficient were subsequently applied to evaluate the consistency and correlation. The results showed that the cervical vertebra features automatically captured based on CBCT data had a high accuracy on the overall morphological recognition. In the prediction of 8 inflection points out of 13 points, there was no significant difference between automatic and manual method on both X and Y axes (all >0.05). The assessment results of the cervical vertebra maturity of the intelligent system had strong consistency and correlation with the manual recognition results (weighted Kappa value=0.877, Gamma value=0.991, both <0.05). The intelligent cervical vertebrae maturity assessment system based on CBCT data established in this study presents reliable outcome and high degree of automation, indicating that the system may be used clinically.
Cephalometry ; Cervical Vertebrae/diagnostic imaging* ; Child ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Humans ; Radiography ; Reproducibility of Results

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the X-ray characteristics in youth neck type of cervical spondylosis with upper crossed syndrome(UCS). METHODS: The patients who had a neck type of cervical spondylosis with or without UCS were selected from January to October 2017, 20 cases in each group, and 10 normal volunteers were chosen in the study. X-ray examination of lateral and hyperextension-hyperflexion of cervical spine were performed to observe cervical spine angle, angular displacement and adjacent vertebral body slip. RESULTS: The cervical spine angle was (-0.40±9.64)° in the UCS group, significantly less than (14.35±9.01)° in the normal group and (12.34±5.65)° in the non-UCS group(<0.05). The change of angular displacement of the upper cervical vertebra in anterior flexion and posterior extension was (8.18±4.81)° in UCS group, which was also significantly less than (12.14±3.48)° in the normal group and (12.34±5.65)° in the non-UCS group(<0.05). The slippage of the vertebral posterior margin of the lower cervical spine in the anterior flexion was 15.41±2.21 in the UCS group, which was significantly greater than 13.26±2.42 in normal group(<0.05), and was not obviously different from 15.64±2.07 in non-UCS group(>0.05). CONCLUSIONS In young patients who has a neck type of cervical spondylosis with UCS, the cervical curvature prone to straighten or reverse, the upper cervical flexion and extension are limited, while the lower cervical is in a flexion.
Adolescent ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Humans ; Neck ; Radiography ; Spondylosis ; X-Rays

An 82-year-old woman presented with neck pain and bilateral upper limb paraesthesia after sustaining an unwitnessed fall at home the day before. Physical examination revealed tenderness over the C4-6 region but no evidence of step deformity or neurological deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine revealed multiple small fractures at the anteroinferior endplate corners of the C3, C5 and C6 vertebrae with focal kyphosis and marrow oedema at these levels, as well as associated disruption of the anterior longitudinal ligament and central spinal canal stenosis. The diagnosis of multiple flexion teardrop fractures was made based on these imaging findings, and the patient subsequently received conservative management. This paper illustrates the radiological features of flexion teardrop fractures and highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of such cases.
Accidental Falls ; Aged, 80 and over ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Neck Pain ; Radiography ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Spinal Fractures ; diagnostic imaging ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of polytheretherketone (PEEK) cages assisted anterior cervical discetomy and fusion (ACDF) to treat cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was undertaken for 39 patients who were diagnosed as cervical spondylosis with sympathetic symptoms and underwent ACDF with PEEK cages. Radiographs obtained before surgery, after surgery, and at the final follow-up were assessed for quality of fusion. The following criteria were used for assessing radiographic success of fusion: (1) endplate obliterated with no lucent lines; (2) obliteration of disc space by bony trabeculae; (3) less than 2°of intervertebral motion or 2 mm of motion between the spinous processes at the operated segment on flexion-extension lateral radiographs. The sympathetic symptoms including vertigo, headache, tinnitus, nausea and vomiting, heart throb, hypomnesia and gastroenterological discomfort were scored by 20-point system preoperatively, 2 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up. The recovery rate and clinical satisfaction rate were also evaluated. Surgical complications were also assessed. RESULTS: They were followed up for at least one year. The mean follow-up was 15.6 months. Radiographs of the cervical spine at the last follow-up revealed a solid fusion with no signs of a pseudoarthrosis in 36 cases. In two patients delayed union and bony fusion were achieved at the end of 9 and 11 months. Pseudoarthosis was found in 1 case but the patient had no symptoms. The score of sympathetic symptoms before surgery, 2 months after surgery and at the final follow-up were 8.4±1.0,2.2±0.3,and 2.4±0.3, respectively. There were 22 excellent cases, 15 good cases, 1 fair case and 1 bad case in terms of RR. Good to excellent results were attained in 95% of theses patients. The sympathetic symptoms improved in all the patients and the score was significantly improved after surgery. There was one patient who had cerebral spinal fluid leakage but he recovered one week after surgery. Two patients felt a mild swallowing discomfort, but it disappeared within one month after surgery. Subcutaneous hematoma occurred in one patient due to obstructed drainage. It was cleared two days after surgery. CONCLUSION Cervical spondylosis patients with sympathetic symptoms may be managed successfully with ACDF using PEEK cages. Successful clinical results regarding symptom improvement and general satisfaction with the surgical procedure depend not only on obtaining successful decompression and radiographic fusion but also on patient selection.
Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Decompression, Surgical ; Diskectomy ; Humans ; Male ; Nausea ; Neurosurgical Procedures ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fusion ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Vomiting

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction clinical disease. Surgery is the main therapeutic tool for CSM. However, there are obvious differences in clinical functional recovery after operation. For the past few years, the influence factors of prognosis in cervical spondylosis myelopathic has been widely concerned. Age, nerve function, course of desease, imaging findings,surgical method and related factors became the investigative point for prognosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Present viewpoint showed that the older patient, preoperative worse nerve function, longer the course of disease would result in worse outcomes. Imaging examination maybe can indicate the prognosis, but the correlation is unclear. Selection of surgical method and approach should be based on the principles of sufficient decompression, stabilize the alignment of the cervical spine, keeping backward extension of cervical spine, maintain effective decompression, preventing complications. Therefore, the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy should be on the basis of pathogenic condition and imaging examination at early stage and a suitable usrgical procedure should be performed to obtain a better prognosis.
Cervical Vertebrae ; surgery ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Prognosis ; Radiography ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spondylosis ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects of anterior corpectomy decompression and titanium mesh bone graft fusion combined with titanium plate fixation in treatting multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

METHODSThe clinical data of 48 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy underwent surgical operation were retrospectively analyzed from October 2010 to January 2013. There were 37 males and 11 females, aged from 37 to 76 years old with an average of 54.6 years. Thirty-five cases were two-segment lesion, 7 cases were three-segment lesion, 6 cases were four-segment lesion. All the patients were treated by anterior corpectomy decompression and titanium mesh bone graft fusion combined with titanium plate fixation. ROM, JOA, VAS and SF-36 scores were recorded before and after operation(including 3, 6, 12 months after operation and final follow-up). Fusion degree and spinal canal decompression condition were observed by radiographic data.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 14 to 48 months, with an average of 27.3 months. At 12 months after surgery, radiographic data showed that all patients obtained bony fusion, spinal canal decompression were sufficient. Preoperative vertebral canal sagittal diameter of the most serious segment were (5.13 +/- 1.32) mm, 12 months after surgery were (9.94 +/- 1.22) mm, there was statistically significance (t=2.463, P=0.014); the degree of vertebral canal decompression were (92.15 +/- 2.35)%. Postoperative ROM, JOA, VAS and SF-36 scores were obviously improved than that of preoperative (P<0.05); there was no statistically significance of ROM, JOA, VAS and SF-36 scores in each time after operation (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONAnterior corpectomy decompression and titanium mesh bone graft fusion combined with titanium plate fixation can obtain higher fusion rate, complete thoroughly decompression, improvement of clinical symptoms and well safety in treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Bone Transplantation ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prostheses and Implants ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spondylosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical outcomes of anterior cervical decompression plus sublevel fusion and posterior cervical laminoplasty in treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

METHODSThe clinical data of 56 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy were retrospectively analyzed from July 2009 to June 2012. There were 32 males and 24 females, aged from 42 to 79 years old with an average of (56.9 +/- 12.8) years. All patients had the typical clinical features of cervical spondylotic myelopathy,radiological evidences, and courses of disease were from 2 months to 16 years with an average of (10.6 +/- 3.2)years. Of them,34 patients were treated with anterior cervical decompression plus sublevel fusion (anterior fusion group) and 22 patients with posterior cervical laminoplasty (posterior laminoplasty group). JOA score and radiological data were used to evaluate the clinical results:

RESULTSNo complications about nerve and blood vessel was found and the patients were followed up from 24 to 36 months with an average of 28.6 months. In anterior fusion group, the cervical anterior column height was significantly increased and the anterior cervical curvature angle was significantly decreased at 2 weeks after surgery (P < 0.05). In posterior laminoplasty group, there was no significant difference in above items between preoperative and postoperative at 2 weeks,final follow-up. Postoperative at 2 weeks and final follow-up, there was significant difference in anterior cervical curvature angle between two groups (P<0.05). Postoperative JOA score had obviously improved in all patients, at 3 months after operation and final follow-up, anterior fusion group was better than that of posterior laminoplasty group (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONThe anterior sublevel fusion can effectively restore cervical anterior column height, and compared with the posterior cervical laminoplasty, it can obviously improve the spinal cord function. It is an effective method for the multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathv.

Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Cervical Vertebrae ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Decompression, Surgical ; Female ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiography ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; Spondylosis ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery