Abstract
BackgroundA retrospective study investigated the degeneration trend of uncovertebral joints in a healthy population based on CT assessment.MethodsA total of 200 males and 160 females, aged 21–79 years old (50.82 ± 17.06), who underwent CT examination in our hospital from September 2020 to March 2021 were enrolled. Sixty patients were included in each age group. According to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification and CT was used to evaluate the uncovertebral joints degeneration in different groups.ResultsWith the increase of age, the degeneration of each segment was gradually aggravated. The uncovertebral joints started degenerating in the 20 s, and the C5–6 is the most degenerative segment, followed by the C4–5 and C6–7. Significant degeneration occurred in each segment between the 40 s and 60 s and became more severe after the 70 s.ConclusionsThe modified Kellgren and Lawrence classification based on CT scan could provide a quantitative assessment of uncovertebral joints degeneration in a healthy population and could provide more details for artificial cervical arthroplasty.
Highlights
The biomechanical function of the cervical uncovertebral joints is to limit lateral flexion
In the group of 20 s, the most severe degeneration was the C4–5 segment, but in other groups, the most severe degeneration was at the C5–6 segment, followed by the C4–5
The studies have shown the presence of fibrous cartilage in the uncovertebral joints of the cervical spine, suggesting that the uncovertebral joints as the synovium joint which are closely related to the range of motion
Summary
The biomechanical function of the cervical uncovertebral joints is to limit lateral flexion. The studies demonstrated that the uncovertebral joints are posterolateral in the lower cervical spine, and the base width of the uncinate process gradually increases. Sun et al [6] first reported a quantitative classification of uncovertebral joint degeneration and correlation with the severity of the heterotopic ossification after cervical artificial disc replacement, using the X-rays. There is still no unified standard for quantifying the uncovertebral joint degeneration. Based on CT examination, the study aimed to observe the trend of the degeneration of the uncovertebral joints in a healthy population. A retrospective study investigated the degeneration trend of uncovertebral joints in a healthy population based on CT assessment
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