Degenerative Cervical Kyphosis: Treatment, Complications, and Outcomes

Abstract

Degenerative disease in the cervical spine is a common source of axial neck pain and neurologic disturbances. In addition to pain, upper extremity radiculopathy and myelopathy, advanced cervical degenerative disease can result in altered biomechanics, most commonly manifested as a kyphotic deformity. As the disk spaces narrow, the weight-bearing axis of the spine is translated anteriorly, placing the posterior structures under an abnormal tensile load. This in turn leads to attenuation of the posterior ligamentous structures, allowing further progression of the deformity. Treatment of cervical kyphotic deformities is generally multimodal, often beginning with conservative measures. In cases in which conservative measures have failed or in cases of incapacitating pain or progressive neurologic decline, operative measures might be indicated.