Abstract
This article aims at presenting a scale that, through the analysis of MRI images, clearly charts the various degenerative stages of the cervical spine and establishes its biological age. We have created this scale by summing together various scores linked to a selection of parameters according to which MRI images are analyzed. We examined 423 cervical spine MRI scans, belonging to patients who had been admitted to the Medical Imaging Service of the Military Hospital of Rome between January 2010 and July 2011. We selected 6 parameters for the analysis of the MRI scans of the cervical spine: (1) the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, (2) the degeneration of the yellow ligaments, (3) the degeneration of the vertebral bodies, (4) the possible presence of spondylolistheses, (5) the presence or absence of foraminal stenosis, and (6) the diameter of the spinal canal. We assigned to each parameter a score system based on a graduated scale. The cervical spine physiological age can be determined by summing up the scores obtained for each parameter. We submitted the data obtained from the study to a statistical enquiry. The results of the enquiry confirmed the suitability of the parameters selected for the evaluation of the aging process of the cervical spine. The effectiveness of the various treatments for cervical spine degenerative disorders is influenced by the overall anatomical conditions of the cervical spine. Up until now there has been no objective criterion for the evaluation of these anatomical conditions. We believe that this scale will be a useful tool to homogenize retrospective studies and to correctly set up prospective studies on the degenerative conditions of the cervical spine and relative treatments.
Highlights
Many scientific papers [1,2,3,4] have shown that degenerative cervical spine disorders are closely linked to aging
Purpose This article aims at presenting a scale that, through the analysis of MRI images, clearly charts the various degenerative stages of the cervical spine and establishes its biological age
Our study shows that chronological age alone is not a comprehensive and satisfactory parameter when it comes to researching degenerative disorders of the cervical spine
Summary
Many scientific papers [1,2,3,4] have shown that degenerative cervical spine disorders are closely linked to aging. Hereditary factors, posture, sports, and work-related activities can, influence the course of degenerative disorders [5,6,7]; in a number of cases, the cervical spine biological age does not match the person’s chronological age. A scale such as the one presented in this article might prove essential to standardize studies on degenerative pathologies and relative treatments. Our study shows that chronological age alone is not a comprehensive and satisfactory parameter when it comes to researching degenerative disorders of the cervical spine
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