Disc degeneration of cervical spine on MRI in patients with lumbar disc herniation: comparison study with asymptomatic volunteers

An association between progression of cervical disc degeneration and that of lumbar disc degeneration has been considered to exist. To date, however, this association has not yet been adequately studied. Age-related changes in the cervical intervertebral discs were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with lumbar disc herniation, and compared with the MRI findings of healthy volunteers without lower back pain. The purpose of this study was to clarify whether the prevalence of asymptomatic cervical disc degeneration is higher in patients with lumbar disc herniation than in healthy volunteers. The study was conducted on 51 patients who were diagnosed as having lumbar disc herniation and underwent cervical spine MRI. The patients consisted of 34 males and 17 females ranging in age from 21–83 years (mean 46.9 ± 14.5 years) at the time of the study. The control group was composed of 113 healthy volunteers (70 males and 43 females) aged 24–77 years (mean 48.9 ± 14.7 years), without neck pain or low back pain. The percentage of subjects with degenerative changes in the cervical discs was 98.0% in the lumbar disc herniation group and 88.5% in the control group (p = 0.034). The presence of lumbar disc herniation was associated significantly with decrease in signal intensity of intervertebral disc and posterior disc protrusion in the cervical spine. None of the MRI findings was significantly associated with the gender, smoking, sports activities, or BMI. As compared to healthy volunteers, patients with lumbar disc herniation showed a higher prevalence of decrease in signal intensity of intervertebral disc and posterior disc protrusion on MRI of the cervical spine. The result of this study suggests that disc degeneration appears to be a systemic phenomenon.     

A 20-year prospective longitudinal MRI study on cervical spine after whiplash injury: Follow-up of a cross-sectional study

BackgroundSome patients suffer from long-lasting symptoms after whiplash injury. However, there are few reports on the long-term changes in the cervical spine after whiplash injury using imaging tests. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine the changes on MRI of the cervical spine 20 years after whiplash injury, and to examine the relationships between changes in the cervical spine on MRI and changes in related clinical symptoms.MethodsEighty-one subjects finally participated in this study (follow-up rate 16%). The mean follow-up duration was 21.7 years. All subjects filled out a questionnaire about their clinical symptoms. The MRI findings were assessed using numerical grading system applied in the original study. Statistic analyses were used to investigate whether the progression of each MRI finding was associated with the severity of neck pain, stiff shoulders, dizziness and tinnitus.ResultsAll subjects had complained of some clinical symptoms in the original study: 71 had neck pain, 53 stiff shoulders, and others. In the present study, 66 subjects (81.5%) complained of some clinical symptoms: 57 had stiff shoulders, 20 neck pain, and others. The progression of degeneration on MRI was observed in 95% of the subjects, with C4/5 and 5/6 being the most frequently involved levels. Changes in the severity of neck pain, stiff shoulders, dizziness and tinnitus over 20 years were not significantly associated with the progression of degenerative changes in the cervical spine on MRI.ConclusionsTwenty years after whiplash injury, 95% of the subjects showed a progression of degeneration in the cervical spine. The progression of the intervertebral disc degeneration in the cervical spine on MRI after whiplash injury was not significantly associated with changes in the severity of related clinical symptoms, indicating that the degenerative changes on MRI may reflect the physiological aging process rather than post-traumatic sequelae.     

Two-level disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine presenting with spastic paresis in the lower extremities without clinical symptoms or signs in the upper extremities.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: There is no report in the literature of two-level disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine presenting with spastic paresis/paralysis exclusively in the bilateral lower extremities. PURPOSE: To identify the clinical characteristics of specific myelopathy resulting from C6-C7 disc herniation through a case with spastic paresis in the lower extremities without upper extremities symptoms due to separate disc herniation in the cervical and thoracic spine, which was surgically removed in two stages. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: A case report. METHODS: A 48-year-old man developed a gait disturbance as well as weakness and numbness in the lower extremities. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a T11-T12 disc herniation, which was removed under the surgical microscope through a minimally invasive posterior approach. He improved, but 2 months after surgery developed recurrent numbness and spasticity. On this occasion, no evidence of recurrence of the thoracic disc herniation could be identified, but cervical MRI demonstrated a compressed spinal cord at the C6-C7 level. The patient had no neurological findings in the upper extremities. The herniated disc at C6-C7 was removed under the surgical microscope with laminoplasty. RESULTS: The symptoms gradually improved after surgery. At the present time, 2 years and 9 months after the initial operation, the patient had a stable gait and was able to work. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience suggests that in the diagnosis of patients with spastic paresis and sensory disturbances in the lower extremities, spinal cord compression should be explored by imaging studies not only in the thoracic spine but also in the cervical spine, especially at the C6-C7 level, even if the symptoms and abnormal neurological findings are absent in the upper extremities.     

Association between roentgenographic findings of the cervical spine and neck symptoms in a Japanese community population

Background

Radiographic findings may provide clues to the underlying cause of neck symptoms. However, these associations remain controversial. This study investigates the association between roentgenographic findings of the cervical spine and neck symptoms in a Japanese community population.

Methods

A total of 762 volunteers participated in this study. Sagittal radiographs of the cervical spine were taken and a questionnaire about the presence of and visual analog scale (VAS) for neck pain or stiff shoulder was completed. The sagittal alignment of the cervical spine (C2–C7) and the degenerative index were measured from lateral aspect radiographs. Three groups based on the sagittal alignment of C2–C7 were defined: straight-spine, lordotic-spine, and kyphotic-spine. The roentgenographic findings were examined in relation to symptoms.

Results

The prevalence rate of stiff shoulder on the day of examination was significantly higher in females than males. Although the VAS for neck pain and stiff shoulder on the examination day and for stiff shoulder in the preceding 12 months were not significantly different between females and males, that for neck pain in the preceding 12 months was significantly higher in females than males. Although there was no association between the sagittal alignment of C2–C7 and neck symptoms in males or females, a significant correlation between the degenerative index and VAS for neck pain on the examination day and in the preceding 12 months was seen in females after adjusting for age. The prevalence of and VAS for neck pain and stiff shoulder were not significantly different among the three C2–C7 sagittal alignment groups.

Conclusion

Although the sagittal alignment of the cervical spine was not associated with neck symptoms, degenerative changes were associated with the severity of neck pain in females.     

Modic changes in the cervical spine: Prospective 20-year follow-up study in asymptomatic subjects

BackgroundFew studies have characterized the development of Modic changes in the cervical spine over time. We evaluated Modic changes of the cervical spine that developed over a 20-year period in a healthy cohort, and sought to clarify the relationship between Modic changes and the development of clinical symptoms.MethodsFor this multicenter prospective cohort study, we recruited 193 subjects from an original cohort of asymptomatic volunteers who underwent MRI of the cervical spine between 1993 and 1996. Each cervical level from C2/3 to C7/T1 (total n = 1158 intervertebral levels) was assessed on current MRIs as normal or showing type 1, 2, or 3 Modic change, and we asked about symptoms related to the cervical spine. Relationships between the presence of Modic changes and patient characteristics, pre-existing disc degenerations or clinical symptoms were evaluated by logistic regression analysis.ResultsAfter 20-year follow-up, Modic changes affected 31 subjects (16.1%) at 47 intervertebral disc levels. Of these 47 intervertebral disc levels, type 2, found at 30 levels (63.8%), was the most frequent, followed by type 1 at 15 levels (31.9%) and type 3 at two levels (4.3%). The most frequent changes were observed at the C5/6 segment with type 2 Modic changes. The presence of Modic changes correlated with pre-existing posterior disc protrusion (odds ratio 3.31, 95% confidence interval 1.21–9.05) and neck pain (odds ratio 2.71, 95% confidence interval 1.08–6.80).ConclusionsIn the cervical spine over a 20-year period, type 2 Modic changes were most frequent at the C5/6 segment. The Modic changes were associated with pre-existing disc degeneration and neck pain but not with age, BMI, smoking, shoulder stiffness, arm pain or numbness.     

Modic changes in the cervical spine: prospective 10-year follow-up study in asymptomatic subjects

We conducted a prospective follow-up MRI study of originally asymptomatic healthy subjects to clarify the development of Modic changes in the cervical spine over a ten-year period and to identify related factors. Previously, 497 asymptomatic healthy volunteers with no history of cervical trauma or surgery underwent MRI. Of these, 223 underwent a second MRI at a mean follow-up of 11.6 years (10 to 12.7). These 223 subjects comprised 133 men and 100 women with a mean age at second MRI of 50.5 years (23 to 83). Modic changes were classified as not present and types 1 to 3. Changes in Modic types over time and relationships between Modic changes and progression of degeneration of the disc or clinical symptoms were evaluated. A total of 31 subjects (13.9%) showed Modic changes at follow-up: type 1 in nine, type 2 in 18, type 3 in two, and types 1 and 2 in two. Modic changes at follow-up were significantly associated with numbness or pain in the arm, but not with neck pain or shoulder stiffness. Age (≥ 40 years), gender (male), and pre-existing disc degeneration were significantly associated with newly developed Modic changes. In the cervical spine over a ten-year period, type 2 Modic changes developed most frequently. Newly developed Modic changes were significantly associated with age, gender, and pre-existing disc degeneration.     

MRI and neurology in acute whiplash trauma: No correlation in prospective examination of 39 cases

39 consecutive cases of whiplash injury of the neck were examined clinically and with MRI at a mean of 11 days after trauma. 26 of these showed changes on MRI with disc lesions in 25, 10 of which were classified as disc herniations, and a muscle lesion in 1 case. All had neck pain or headache. 29 cases had neurological deficits, mostly sensibility disturbances. 22 of the 26 cases with pathologic MRI findings had neurological signs, as had 7 of the 10 cases with disc herniation. The relationship between the MRI findings and the clinical symptoms and signs was poor.     

低温等离子射频盘内髓核消融术联合胶原酶盘外溶解术治疗颈椎间盘突出症的效果

目的 评价低温等离子射频盘内髓核消融术联合胶原酶盘外溶解术治疗颈椎间盘突出症的效果.方法 具有头痛、头晕、颈肩臂痛等症状的颈椎病患者56例,年龄33～61岁,采用随机数字表法,将患者随机分为2组(n=28):胶原酶盘外溶解术组(C组)和低温等离子射频盘内髓核消融术联合胶原酶盘外溶解术组(R组).两组手术均在CT引导下进行,术后6个月采用改良划线法评价疗效.结果 C组患者头痛、头晕和颈肩臂痛缓解率分别为86％、79％和93％,R组分别为96％、93％和100％,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 低温等离子射频盘内髓核消融术联合胶原酶盘外溶解术治疗颈椎间盘突出症的效果优于单独应用胶原酶盘外溶解术.     

脊髓型颈椎病术后颈椎间盘突出自行消失的原因探讨

目的：了解脊髓型颈椎病颈椎管扩大成型术后，颈椎间盘突出自行消失的原因并由此提出脊髓型颈椎病新的致病学说。方法：自１９９４年６月～１９９８年５月对脊髓型颈椎病行后路单开门椎管扩大成型术患者行临床及ＭＲＩ检查。结果：８例患者，术后４～１３个月，平均５．８个月复查时，颈椎ＭＲＩ检查发现，其术前ＭＲＩ显示的颈椎间盘突出影像消失，相应部位硬膜、脊髓无压迫。结论：（１）颈椎间盘退变突出后，出现颈椎节段性不稳定，刺激突出间盘周围组织，产生炎症性反应；（２）颈椎间盘突出、颈椎退变或颈椎管狭窄，致硬膜外腔压力增高，导致硬膜外静脉回流障碍，出现硬膜外静脉瘀滞、怒张。上述为脊髓型颈椎病发病的又一可能因素     

颈椎小关节突脱位闭合复位前后椎间盘和脊髓的损伤变化

目的　观察颈椎小关节突脱位闭合复位前后椎间盘和脊髓的损伤变化。方法　 16例颈椎小关节突脱位患者 ,7例单侧小关节突脱位 ,9例双侧小关节突脱位 ,在X线透视下行颅骨牵引闭合复位 ,并于复位前后进行神经功能和颈椎MRI检查 ,比较椎间盘脱出和脊髓实质损伤的变化。结果　 16例均闭合复位成功 ,复位前 5例有明显椎间盘脱出 ,4例有椎间盘撕裂 ,7例无明显椎间盘损伤。复位成功后 ,4例椎间盘脱出仍存在 ,大小无变化 ;1例原脱出椎间盘明显缩小 ,无新椎间盘脱出发生。14例复位前后脊髓信号无变化 ,2例复位后出现MRIT2 加权高信号增强。 16例复位后无一例出现神经功能恶化。结论　颅骨牵引闭合复位不会诱发或加重椎间盘脱出 ,进而造成继发性脊髓功能损伤     

先天性颈椎融合伴颈椎间盘突出症12例报告

本文报告１２例先天性颈椎融合伴颈椎间盘突出症，探讨了其发生机理，诊断和治疗方法。指出此种类型颈椎间盘突出与先天性颈椎融合有密切关系。当存在先天性颈椎融合时，未融合的节段活动增加，使椎间盘较早和较容易发生退行性改变而引起颈椎间盘突出症。ＭＲＩ对其明确诊断具有重要价值。本病以采用手术疗法为主，其中以颈前路减压术为首选。     

Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging study on whiplash injury patients: minimum 10-year follow-up

Background

We conducted a prospective long-term follow-up study to assess associations between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and changes in clinical symptoms, as well as factors relating to the prognosis of symptoms.

Methods

A total of 133 patients with acute whiplash injury between 1993 and 1996 participated in this follow-up study. They underwent neurological examinations by spine surgeons and second MRI scans of the cervical spine were obtained. They also filled out a questionnaire regarding cervical symptoms and the accident details. The items evaluated by MRI were (1) a decrease in the signal intensity of the intervertebral disc; (2) anterior compression of the dura and the spinal cord; (3) posterior disc protrusion; (4) disc space narrowing; and (5) foraminal stenosis. Relations between the presence/absence of degenerative changes on MRI, accident details, and patients’ symptoms were assessed by calculating the adjusted odds ratio (OR).

Results

Progression of some degenerative changes was recognized on MRI in 98.5% of the 133 whiplash injury patients, and clinical symptoms diminished in more than a half of the 133 patients. There were no statistically significant associations between MRI findings and changes in clinical symptoms. The prognosis for neck pain tended to be poor after accidents with double collisions (rear-end collision followed by frontend collision) [adjusted OR 5.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-29.71] and accidents with serious car damage (2.87, 1.03–7.99). The prognosis for stiff shoulders tended to be poor in women (2.83, 1.23–6.51); and the prognosis for numbness in the upper extremities tended to be poor after accidents with serious car damage (3.39, 1.14–10.06).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that progression of degenerative changes of the cervical spine on MRI was not associated with clinical symptoms during the 10-year period after whiplash injury.     

Brachial plexus neuropathy

Branchial plexus neuropathy is characterized by acute onset of intense pain in the shoulder or arm followed shortly by focal muscle weakness. This presentation may mislead the clinician into diagnosing shoulder or cervical spine pathology. Although brachial plexus neuropathy is not common, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain and weakness of the arm. We present a patient with brachial plexus neuropathy who was originally misdiagnosed as having a cervical disc herniation.     

Brown-Sequard syndrome produced by cervical disc herniation with complete neurologic recovery: report of three cases and review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN: Case report.Objective:To report three cases of Brown-Sequard syndrome (BSS) associated with cervical disc herniation. METHOD: We describe clinical and radiographic review of three patients who presented with BSS caused by cervical disc herniation. Three patients presented with ipsilateral motor weakness and diminished sensation to pain and temperature on the contralateral side. Magnetic resonance images of the cervical spine in all cases, showed a large paramedian disc herniation at C5-C6, with ipsilateral severe spinal cord compression. Microsurgical removal of the herniated disc via anterior foraminotomy was performed and complete decompression of the spinal cord was achieved. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the neurological symptoms recovered rapidly with a complete remission of their symptoms. CONCLUSION: Although BSS is rarely associated with degenerative cervical spine disease, cervical disc herniation should be kept in mind and prompt evaluation is indicated. Anterior foraminotomy suffices for spinal cord decompression with improvement of the neurological function.     

Analysis of the clinical picture in patients with osteoarthritis of the spine depending on the type and severity of lesions on magnetic resonance imaging

Objectives

Spondyloarthritis is the most common pathological change in the spine. In a significant number of cases, it leads to compression of the nervous structures of the spinal canal, causing pain and neurological symptoms. Intervertebral disc pathology is a common cause of root deficits in neurological examination of all types of degenerative changes of the spine structures. Disc herniation is pathologically divided into 4 stages of herniated nucleus pulposus: 1) bulging, 2) protrusion, 3) extrusion, 4) sequestration. The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between the type and severity of degenerative changes in the spine and the incidence of neurological deficits.

Material and methods

The study included 100 patients: 74 men and 26 women aged 50.2 ±10.43 years with pain of the spine in the cervical and/or lumbosacral segments and with degenerative changes in the plain radiographs. The mean value of body mass index (BMI) was 27.8 ±3.95 kg/m². Each patient underwent neurological examinations and 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging MRI of the cervical and/or lumbar spine.

Results

Every patient was diagnosed with herniated nucleus pulposus affecting on average 4 ±2 segments of the spine. The most frequently observed degree of severity of disc herniation was the second (protrusion, 71.9% of all disc disease in 89 patients). Much less frequently found was the third degree (extrusion, 45 patients, 20.1% slipped disc), the first (bulging, 14 patients, 6.3% slipped disc), and least often only a small percentage of fourth degree (sequestration, 4 patients, 1.7% slipped disc). Neurological symptoms (deficits) were observed in 34 patients. They were accompanied by disc herniations in 23.7% of patients. In remaining patients with neurological deficits there was spinal stenosis. No correlation was observed between neurological deficits and stage 1 of disc herniation.

Conclusions

The incidence rate of neurological deficits is correlated with the degree of changes in the spine, as visualized by MRI.     

Do findings identified on magnetic resonance imaging predict future neck pain? A systematic review

Background Context

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to identify pathology contributing to neck pain. However, the importance of findings on MRI remains unclear.

颈椎闭合复位对椎间盘和脊髓损伤的影响

目的探讨下颈椎小关节脱位闭合复位的临床疗效。方法46例颈椎小关节脱位患者,24例单侧小关节脱位,22例双侧小关节脱位,在透视下行颅骨牵引闭合复位,并于复位前后进行神经功能和颈椎MRI检查,借以比较复位前后椎间盘损伤和脊髓实质性损伤的变化情况。结果46例中39例在透视下行颅骨牵引闭合复位,其中34例复位成功,5例未成功,成功率87％。34例中复位前MRI显示存在明显椎间盘突出者7例,椎间盘撕裂4例,复位后有6例椎间盘脱出仍存在,大小无明显变化;1例原脱出椎间盘明显缩小,无新椎间盘脱出发生。33例在复位前后脊髓信号无明显改变,1例复位前脊髓无明显改变者,复位后出现T2加权高信号。结论1、透视下颅骨牵引闭合复位是一种安全有效的治疗方法,通常情况下不会诱发或加重椎间盘脱出,进而造成继发性脊髓功能损伤。2、MRI对颈椎小关节脱位合并椎间盘和脊髓损伤的诊断、预后的参考价值高,但不应因行MRI检查而耽误闭合复位。     

Surgical management of cervical soft disc herniation. A comparison between the anterior and posterior approach

Anterior cervical fusion was initially described in the 1950s for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. The indications for this procedure in the management of soft disc herniation have not been clearly defined. In addition, controversy exists as to whether a cervical soft herniation should be managed by an anterior approach or a posterior cervical laminotomy-foraminotomy. The authors report the results of a prospective study comparing anterior discectomy and fusion to posterior laminotomy-foraminotomy for the management of soft cervical disc herniation. Twenty-eight patients underwent anterior discectomy and fusion (Robinson horseshoe graft) while 16 patients underwent posterior laminotomy-foraminotomy. The disc herniations were classified into two types. Type I were single level anterolateral herniations (33 patients) while type II were central soft disc herniations (11 patients). Clinically, patients with type I herniations manifested signs and symptoms of radiculopathy while patients with type II herniations manifested signs of myelopathy or neck pain and bilateral upper extremity paresthesias in 4 patients. Confirmatory studies were myelography in 12 patients, myelography combined with computed tomography (CT) in 26 patients, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 6 patients. For type I herniations, 17 patients underwent anterior fusion while 16 patients had a posterior laminotomy-foraminotomy. The 11 patients classified as type II herniation all underwent anterior discectomy and fusion. There were 27 men and 17 women. The age range was 21 to 52 years (mean, 41 years). The follow-up was 1.6 to 8.2 years (mean, 4.2 years).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的多因素分析

目的 :探讨影响非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的因素。方法 :回顾性分析2009年1月至2012年12月接受非手术治疗的122例无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤患者的临床资料,其中男84例,女38例;平均年龄(52.37±13.27)岁(18~83岁)。选择年龄、性别、受伤原因、受伤至治疗时间、脊髓损伤ASIA分级、MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、椎间盘突出节段、椎间盘韧带复合体损伤、大剂量甲基强的松龙冲击治疗12个可能对非手术治疗预后产生影响的因素,应用单因素和多因素Logistic回归分析,研究其对预后的影响。结果:单因素分析显示MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、椎间盘突出节段及脊髓损伤ASIA分级均对预后有显著影响(P均0.05)。进一步行多因素分析,按照其作用强度,影响预后的主要因素依次为:MRI脊髓损伤类型、脊髓损伤范围、有效颈椎管率、椎间盘突出Pfirrmann分级、脊髓损伤ASIA分级(P均0.05)。结论 :影响非手术治疗无骨折脱位型颈脊髓损伤预后的主要因素是MRI脊髓损伤类型及范围,同时与有效椎管率、椎间盘突出程度及脊髓损伤ASIA分级相关。对于选择非手术治疗需谨慎,仅适用MRI检查提示脊髓信号无改变或水肿程度轻且范围局限者,其余则建议积极手术治疗。