颈椎椎间盘退行性改变与颈椎不稳

探讨颈椎椎间盘退性改变与颈椎不稳定的关系。方法对２６０例怀疑有颈椎疾患的者行Ｘ线及ＭＲＩ检查。在颈椎屈曲／伸展侧位片上测量椎体水平位及成象程度,并根据ＭＲＩＴ２加权像椎间盘信号强度判断其退变程度。结论颈椎的节段性不稳定是颈椎椎间盘退行改变的早期表现之一。

Disc degeneration and cervical instability

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate disc degeneration and segmental instability in the cervical spine by comparing the magnetic resonance imaging assessment of disc degeneration with conventional plain radiographic evaluation with cervical segmental instability. METHODS: Two hundred sixty consecutive patients with suspected cervical spine disorders were analyzed for horizontal and angular displacements on lateral flexion and extension radiographs and disc degeneration on T(2)-weighted magnetic resonance images of the cervical vertebrae. RESULTS: In all intervertebral levels, the grade of disc degeneration increased significantly (P < 0.01) with age. Cervical instability was identified in 151 segments (14.5%) and correlated with Grade 1 and Grade 2 degeneration in the intervertebral discs (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical segmental instability may indicate early degeneration of intervertebral disc in the cervical vertebrae.