Article

Cervical radiculopathy is most often related to foraminal stenosis
due to osteoarthritic changes of the uncovertebral joints anteriorly or zygapophyseal joints posteriorly, rather than disc herniation. OBJECTIVES: To
describe anatomical specificities of the degenerated cervical spine. METHODS: A critical narrative review was conducted. Articles were non-systematically
selected and based on authors' expertise, self-knowledge, and reflective practice. RESULTS: Vertebral bodies of the lower cervical spine are characterized
by 2 lateral prismatic bony protuberances, the uncinate processes, located on C3
to C7 superior vertebral endplates, that are involved in the stabilization of the
cervical spine. Degenerative changes at the lower cervical spine can affect
different anatomical structures: the intervertebral disc, uncovertebral joints,
and facet joints. The incidence and severity of changes increase with age.
Furthermore, uncovertebral osteoarthritis is characterized by the presence of
transverse fissures in the annulus fibrosus.
DISCUSSION: These specific
anatomical features of the cervical spine may have clinical implications,
including more targeted spinal injections for managing disabling persistent or
recurrent symptoms related to cervical spine degenerative changes such as
cervical radicular pain.
CI - Copyright (c) 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS