Cervical Spine Alignment; Observation Over a Ten-Year Period Using Measurement of Cobb Angle and a Modified Pfirrmann Grade

Abstract

Background and Aim: We sought to explore whether or not this excessive use of smart technology may be associated with a generational change in the cervical spine over time. Methods and Results: All those patients who underwent cervical spine MRI aged 15 to 30 years over the years June 2007 to 2008 and June 2017 to 2018 were considered for evaluation. Each patient had measurement of their Cobb angle and a modified Pfirrmann grade. 217 patients - 83 (2007-2008) and 134 (2017-2018) were evaluated. There was no difference in cervical alignment over time, but males tended to have a greater lordosis(p<0.001). Using the modified Pfirrmann grading system a difference over time was noted most noticeable at C2/3 (p=0.004); C3/4 (p=0.019 and C7/8 (p=0.003). Conclusion: There was no change in the structural integrity of the cervical spine between the two groups over time. A worsening degenerative disease without a structural change was observed, an effect was more apparent in the males.