Advances in Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement for Cervical Spondylosis

Anterior cervical decompression and fusion(ACDF)treatment for cervical spondylosis has been more than half a century,and achieved good clinical results.However,with the continuous extension of follow-up time,the fusion segment-associated postoperative complications emerged gradually.Reserved cervical stability and activity,the concept of non-fusion was born.As a non-fusion technique,cervical artificial disc replacement(CADR)developed rapidly.With the continuous development of artificial prosthesis materials and design concepts,and specification and proficiency of surgical procedures,CADR has achieved better short and mid-term clinical efficacy than ACDF.Compared with ACDF,the main advantages of CADR are that the postoperative recovery is quick,the activity and stability of cervical vertebra are maintained,the height of cervical intervertebral space is restored,and the stress of adjacent segments and the rate of surgical renovation are reduced.In clinical work,as an emerging technology,CADR requires spine surgeons to control the surgical indications,contraindications,and patients'conditions strictly.This article reviews the research progress of CADR in order to provide new ideas for clinical treatment of cervical spondylosis.

Research Updates of Traditional Rehabilitation Therapy in Treating Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis has many obvious symptoms.Through literature reviews and hospital visits and collecting information under the guidance of our instructors,three methods of traditional rehabilitation therapy are reviewed in this study:massage,cupping,and Gua Sha.Information regarding cervical spondylosis was sorted out,from the causes of the disease and treatment methods to precautionary measures,which are discussed in this paper.

Acupuncture-based treatments on cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type

Cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type is one of the chief patterns of cervical spondylosis.It is often described as neck pain accompanied with radiating pain and neurologic symptoms,such as sudden dizziness,blurred vision,tinnitus,nausea,vomiting,memory loss,and sudden fainting.The incidence of cervical spondylosis increases and patients with cervical spondylosis become progressively younger.Acupuncture in the cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type treatment has a local positive reaction“Liuhe point”,in order to dredge the local Qi and blood.More and more evidences into the effectiveness and safety of cervical spine acupuncture for cervical spondylosis,specific neck pain,cervical radiculopathy,etc.This article summarizes the recent literature on acupuncture and acupuncture combined with other therapies for cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type treatment and provides a comprehensive review from the perspectives of acupuncture therapy,warm needle moxibustion therapy,electroacupuncture,and acupuncture combined with other therapies,in order to provide reference and reference for clinical treatment.

Keyhole Foraminotomy via a Percutaneous Posterior Full-endoscopic Approach for Cervical Radiculopathy:An Advanced Procedure and Clinical Study

Endoscopic cervical foraminotomy is increasingly used for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR),but there is great concern about radiation exposure because of the heavy dependence of this surgical method on fluoroscopy.The objective of this study was to introduce in detail an advanced surgical technique of keyhole foraminotomy via a percutaneous posterior full-endoscopic approach as a treatment for CSR and investigate its clinical outcomes.We retrospectively reviewed 33 consecutive patients with CSR who underwent keyhole foraminotomy via a percutaneous posterior full-endoscopic approach from October 2015 to April 2017.The patients’general characteristics,including operative time,blood loss,hospital stay,complications,and recurrence,were obtained.Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the visual analogue scale(VAS)for radicular pain,the neck disability index(NDI)for functional assessment,and the modified MacNab criteria for patient satisfaction.All operations were successfully performed(mean operation time,62 min),with no measurable blood loss or severe related complications.The mean follow-up was 25 months.The VAS and NDI scores were significantly improved as compared with those in the preoperative period(preoperative vs.final follow-up:7.6±1.6 vs.3.83±7.34 for VAS,P<0.01;69.5%±10.5%vs.17.54%±13.40%for NDI,P<0.01).Of the 33 patients,32(97.0%)had good-to-excellent global outcomes and all patients obtained symptomatic improvement.In conclusion,keyhole foraminotomy via a percutaneous posterior full-endoscopic approach is an efficient,safe,and feasible procedure for the treatment of CSR.Its simplified single-step blunt incision for localization appears to decrease radiation exposure risks.

Anterior Discectomy and Fusion versus Posterior Foraminotomy in Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy: A Comparative Prospective Study

Introduction: Cervical radiculopathy is caused by either cervical disc herniation or bone spurs due to cervical spine degeneration. It is common in middle aged and elderly patients. Those patients who are refractory to conservative treatment are candidates for surgical management. The surgical approaches for cervical radiculopathy are either anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF). In spite of many reports on ACDF and PCF, only a few studies directly compare the outcomes of both techniques. Purpose: To compare anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) with posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy, regarding the surgical, clinical and radiological outcomes. Patient and methods: This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical study carried on 44 patients with unilateral cervical radiculopathy. They are divided into 2 groups;group (A) included 23 patients who underwent ACDF and group (B) included 21 patients who underwent PCF, with 1 year follow up. The patient age, sex, clinical manifestations, surgical outcomes as number of cervical level, operative time, blood loss, complications and length of hospital stay were recorded. Visual analogus scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI) were used for evaluation of clinical outcomes. Postoperative imaging was done after 1 year to detect instability or adjacent level degeneration. Chi-square and unpaired T-test were used to compare the mean values of both groups. Results: The mean age was nearly 45 years for both groups. C5-6 ACDF was the most common level in group (A), while C6-7 PCF was the most frequent operated level in group (B). PCF group had less operative time, blood loss and length of hospital stay than ACDF group. Clinical improvement of the mean values of VAS and NDI were more pronounced in PCF group as compared to ACDF group with statistically significant difference. No cases of cervical instability were recorded during the period of follow up. Conclusion: Posterior cervical foraminotomy is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy as compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. PCF has a shorter operative time, less hospital stay and better clinical outcome.

Analysis of Pain Scores and Rehabilitation of Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy Receiving Massage Combined with Traction and Ultrashort Wave

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the pain scores and rehabilitation of patientis with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy receiving massage therapy combined with traction and ultrashort wave therapy. METHODS: A total of 84 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy treated in 105 Hospital of People's Liberation Army from June 2014 to June 2017 were included and divided into study group and control group according to different treatment regimens. A total of 42 patients in the study group was treated with cervical traction, ultrashort wave and massage therapy at the same time, whereas the other 42 patients in the control group were only treated with cervical traction and ultrashort wave. Comparison of the clinical efficacy and adverse reactions of the 2 groups was made and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores before and after treatment were observed to assess the patient's pain. Comparison of rehabilitation in the 2 groups was made by applying the Clinical Assessment Scale for Cervical Spondylosis (CASCS). RESULTS: After comparing the therapeutic effect between the study group and the control group, it showed that the total effective rate (90.48%) in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (73.81%), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). By comparing the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group and the control group, results showed that the incidence of adverse reactions such as nausea, palpitations, vomiting, sweating, dizziness and colorless complexion in the study group (9.52%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (21.43%), the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). After the treatment, the VAS pain scores of the study group and the control group were both significantly improved (P < 0.05), but the improvement of the patients in the study group was more significantly (P < 0.05), and the difference was statistically significant. After treatment, the CASCS scores of the patients in the study group and the control group were significantly improved (P < 0.05), but the improvement of the study group was more (P < 0.05), and there was statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: The combination of massage, traction and ultrashort wave therapy can significantly reduce the pain and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, which is of great clinical significance to the rehabilitation of patients.

Acupuncture of different stimulation for the treatment of neck type cervical spondylosis:a randomised controlled trial

Objective:To observe the difference in clinical efficacy of acupuncture with strong and weak stimulation in treating neck type cervical spondylosis.Methods:64 patients with neck type cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into strong stimulation group and weak stimulation group,with 32 cases in each group.The acupoints selected are Jingjiaji 5-7(cervical acupoints EX-B2 C5-C7),Tianzhu(BL10)on both sides,Houxi(SI3)on both sides,Hegu(LI4)on both sides,Geshu(BL17)on both sides,and Ashi.In the strong stimulation group,deep needling with 0.25 mm×40 mm milli-needle was performed,with a mild reinforcing-reducing method.The twisting angle was 90°-180°,the frequency was 60-90 times/min,and the needles were applied for 1 min at each point.Keep the needle for 30 minutes,twisting was performed every 10 min during the retention period.Change hands once.In the weak stimulation group,shallow acupuncture with a 0.18 mm×40 mm milli-needle was performed,with a mild reinforcing-reducing method,with a twisting angle of 60°-90°,a frequency of 30-60 times/min,and acupuncture for 10 seconds at each acupoint.Keep the needle for 30 minutes,and no needle during the retention period.Patients in both groups were treated once every 1 to 2 days,3 times a week for 2 weeks,and followed up for 1 month after all treatments.The two groups of patients were compared before and after treatment and during follow-up.The McGill pain questionnaire score and the cervical spine dysfunction index score were compared to determine the clinical efficacy.Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software.Results:1 case drop-out in the strong stimulation group and 1 case in the weak stimulation group.The total effective rate of the strong stimulation group was 90.32%,the total effective rate of the weak stimulation group was 83.87%,and the total effective rate of the strong stimulation group was higher than that of the weak stimulation group(P<0.05).The total scores of the short-form McGill pain questionnaire,the VAS score,and the cervical spine dysfunction index scores of the two groups of patients were significantly lower than those of this group before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The total scores of the short-form McGill pain questionnaire,visual analogue scale score,and cervical spine dysfunction index scores of the strong stimulation group after treatment and follow-up were significantly lower than those of the weak stimulation group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture with strong and weak stimulation can effectively treat patients with cervical spondylosis,and deep acupuncture with filiform needles and strong stimulation have better effect.

The effect of Shufengzhitong decoction combined with four cervical needles on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and leukotriene and inflammatory factors

Objective:To investigate the effect of shufengzhitong decoction combined with four cervical needles on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy(CSR)and leukotriene and inflammatory factors.Methods:110 patients with CSR were randomly divided into two groups,with 55 in each group.There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups(P>0.05).The control group were treated with Shufeng Zhitong decoction orally,and the treatment group were treated with four neck acupuncture on the basis of the control group.Neck pain scale score(NPQ),Cervical spondylosis clinical evaluation scale score(CASCS)Cervical range of motion score(CROM),Emg surface signal and serum Levels of leukotriene B4(LTB4),leukotrieneC4(LTC4),leukotrieneD4(LTD4),interleukin(IL)-1β,tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α),IL-6,IL-8 and IL-18 were compared before and after treatment.The clinical effect of the two groups was compared.Results:NPQ of the treatment group was lower than that of the control groupafter treatment(P<0.01),the scores of CASCS and CROM were higher than those of the control group(P<0.01),the median frequency of surface EMG signal of biceps brachii and superior trapezius muscle were higher than those of the control group(P<0.01),the levels of serum LTB4,LTC4,LTD4,IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8 and IL-18 were lower than those of the control group(P<0.01),the clinical effect was better than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion:Shufengzhitong decoction combined with cervical four acupuncture can effectively alleviate the symptoms of cervical spondylosis,regulate the myoelectric signal of muscle surface,reduce the content of leukotriene in serum,reduce the expression of inflammatory factors,and it has a significant effect on the treatment of CSR.

Lumbar Facet Cyst Causing S1 Radiculopathy with Concomittent Acute on Chronic Cervical Prolapse Intervertebral Disc, a Rare Case Report

Tandem spinal stenosis is described as concurrent symptomatic cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis. The clinical presentation includes neurogenic claudication, gait disturbance, myelopathy and polyradicuopathy in both upper and lower limbs. A 43-year-old female presented with predominant low back pain with right S1 radiculopathy leading to diagnosis of synovial facet cyst of lumbar spine. She was managed surgically after medical treatment failed. After 1 week post operatively, she presented with severe neck pain with left radiculopathy. MRI revealed acute on chronic cervical prolapsed intervertebral disc, cervical decompression surgery proceeded. Post operative improvement was noted on follow up. We report a case of tandem spinal stenosis, which both of the pathologies were managed with endoscopic approach.

Clinical observation on the treatment of sympathetic cervical spondylosis with meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction on sympathetic cervical spondylosis its influence on heart rate variability and norepinephrine concentration.Methods:80 patients with sympathetic cervical spondylosis were divided into the treatment group and control group randomly,with 40 patients in each group.Patients in the two groups were treated with massage on the basis of curvature traction.Among them,the treatment group was treated with meridian acupoint massage,while the control group was treated with routine massage.Each subject was treated once a day for 2 weeks.Before and after treatment,VAS,NRS,"20 score method",NDI,JOA,and Borden's method were used to evaluate the pain,sympathetic symptoms and cervical function of the two groups.At the same time,the changes of RR interval standard deviation and urine noradrenaline concentration were also observed.Finally the clinical efficacy of the two groups were evaluated.Results:The cure rate of the treatment group was 62.50%,while it was 40.00%in the control group,and the effective rate of the treatment group was 95.00%,the total effective rate of the control group was 80.00%,the treatment group was superior to the control group in both cure rate and total effective rate(P<0.05).During post-therapy,VAS score,NRS score,sympathetic symptom score,cervical physiological curvature,NDI score,and noradrenaline concentration in urine in both groups were lower than those of pre-treatment(P<0.01),JOA score and heart rate variability SDNN value were significantly higher(P<0.01),and the treatment group was superior to the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion:Meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction has a significant clinical effect on sympathetic cervical spondylosis,which is worth further promotion and application.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF NERVE ROOT STIMULATION METHOD IN CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

By means of cervical nerve root stimulation(CRS) method, the amplitudes and latencies of compound motor action potential(CMAP) of brachial biceps and brachial triceps muscles in 41 patients with clinical symptoms and signs of cervical radiculopathy were observed. The amplitudes of CMAPs on the affected side in the patients were obviously lower than on the healthy side and control group, latencies of CMAPs on the affected side were also significantly prolonged. The results showed that CRS was a sensitive method for making a direct determination of proximal nerve roit cinductiin function, and a good aid for diagnosing cervical radiculopathy.

Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Theory in Patients with Cervical Spondylosis

This paper expounds the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution applied to patients with cervical spondylosis,in order to clarify the distribution characteristics of TCM constitution of patients with cervical spondylosis.And to analyze the correlation between TCM constitution theory and cervical spondylosis is helpful to provide ideas for integrated nursing care of TCM and western medicine in patients with cervical spondylosis,and provide the basis for the construction of health management program and the evaluation of health promotion effect.

Advances in modern Chinese medicine treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy

Objective: On the basis of a brief description of the current research status of modern Chinese medicine on the name, etiology, pathogenesis and classification of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, this paper summarizes the research progress of modern Chinese medicine treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy from the perspective of modern Chinese medicine treatment. This article mainly summarizes the following aspects: modern Chinese medicine for internal and external use;Chinese medicine acupuncture with filiform needle, electro-acupuncture and warm moxibustion;Chinese medicine massage and acupoint therapy;moxibustion, cupping, scraping and other comprehensive treatment;and Chinese medicine comprehensive therapy. The purpose of this article is to provide references for modern Chinese medicine treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Evaluation of the quality of randomized controlled trials on exercise for cervical radiculopathy

Objective:To review and evaluate the quality of the randomized controlled trials of exercise for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy with the present internationally recognized CONSORT statement, which provides reference and basis for the improvement of clinical research on exercise for intervening cervical radiculopathy in the future.Methods: A computer-based search of large domestic databases, including CNKI, Wanfang database and VIP database screened out literature that meet the requirements and used CONSORT statement for quality assessment.Results: According to the prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria, 30 articles were retrieved in accordance with the standard. No literature was referred to the randomized controlled trial, 2 documents clearly defined the type of test design, 1 documents carried out the calculation of sample size, 13 documents clearly randomly assigned, 1 literature implemented the blind method, in the 7 literature, baseline information was shown in tabular form, and no reference was made to trial registration, trial protocol and funding.Conclusion:There are some aspects of randomized controlled trials on exercise for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy. However, there are some aspects that need to be improved. In the future randomized controlled trial report, the CONSORT statement should be highly valued and carefully considered to improve the accuracy and credibility of the research.

Massage Treatment for Spinal cord of Cervical Spondylosis

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Potential Mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction for Cervical Spondylosis treatment based on Network Pharmacology

Objective:To study the potential mechanism of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction in the treatment of cervical spondylosis based on the network pharmacological method,and to provide a basis for clinical application and pharmacological research.Methods:TCMSP search was used to screen the main active compounds and related action targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction,the standard names of action targets were obtained through the Uniprot database,and the"drug-target"interaction network was constructed by using Cytoscape3.6.1 software.The related targets of cervical spondylosis were obtained by searching GeneCards,OMIM,DisGeNET,and CTD databases,and the disease targets and drug targets were mapped by the Venny platform,and the intersection genes of them were the potential targets for drug treatment of this disease.Then,the intersection genes were input into the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.6.1 software,and the protein-protein interactions(PPI)network of"drug-disease intersection targets"was constructed,and we screened the core targets.Finally,GO biological function analysis and KEGG signaling pathway analysis of core targets were carried out through the DAVID database.Results:According to the screening conditions,74 effective compounds and 138 drug action targets of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction were obtained,12179 genes related to cervical spondylosis were obtained,and the Venny platform analysis obtained 105 intersecting targets.With visual network processing by Cytoscape software,33 core targets were obtained by analyzing and calculating the core target degree values,which were JUN,PTGS2,NR3C1,TNF,IL6,TP53,EGFR,VEGFA,NOS3,IL1B,and so on.GO analysis showed that there were 133 items(P<0.05),involving adrenergic receptor activation,neurotransmitter receptor activation,nuclear receptor activation,catecholamine binding,etc.KEGG analysis obtained a total of 139 pathways(P<0.05),involving IL-17 signaling pathway,and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,relaxin signaling pathway,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway of diabetic complications,fluid shear stress,and atherosclerosis.Conclusion:the active components in Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction may act on the core targets such as JUN,PTGS2,NR3C1,TNF,IL6,TP53,VEGFA through IL-17 signal pathway,tumor necrosis factor signal pathway,and AGE-RAGE signal pathway of diabetic complications,and exert their therapeutic effects.The research results can provide a basis for future basic and clinical research.

Clinical Application Value and Satisfaction Analysis of Physical Therapy in rehabilitation treatment of cervical spondylosis

Objective:To analyze the clinical value and nursing satisfaction of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with cervical spondylosis.Methods:From November 2019 to November 2020,84 patients with cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into two groups.Group A was given physical therapy,while group B was not given physical therapy.The differences of curative effect,cervical function,quality of life score and nursing satisfaction between the two groups were analyzed.Results:The curative effect of group A was 97.62%higher than that of group B 83.33%,P<0.05;The score of cervical function in group A(8.09±1.75)was higher than that in group B(8.09±1.75),P<0.05;The scores of quality of life in group A were better than those in group B(P<0.05);The nursing satisfaction of group A was 95.24%,which was better than that of group B 78.57%,P<0.05.Conclusions:Physical therapy intervention for patients with cervical spondylosis can improve nursing satisfaction and cervical function,which can be widely used.

Syringomyelia associated with cervical spondylosis: A rare condition

Spinal spondylosis is an extremely common condition that has only rarely been described as a cause of syringomyelia. We describe a case of syringomyelia associated with cervical spondylosis admitted at our division and treated by our institute. It is the case of a 66-yearold woman. At our observation she was affected by moderate-severe spastic tetraparesis. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) showed an hyperintense signal within spinal cord from C3 to T1 with a more sharply defined process in the inferior cervical spinal cord. At the same level bulging discs, facets and ligamenta flava hypertrophy determined a compression towards subarachnoid space and spinal cord. Spinal cord compression was more evident in hyperextension rather than flexion. A 4-level laminectomy and subsequent posterior stabilization with intra-articular screws was executed. At 3-mo follow up there was a regression of tetraparesis but motor deficits of the lower limbs residuated. At the same follow up postoperative MRI was executed. It suggested enlargement of the syrinx. Perhaps hyperintensity within spinal cord appeared "bounded" from C3 to C7 with clearer margins. At the level of surgical decompression, subarachnoid space and spinal cord enlargement were also evident. A review of the literature was executed using Pub Med database. The objective of the research was to find an etiopathological theory able to relate syringomyelia with cervical spondylosis. Only 6 articles have been found. At the origin of syringomyelia the mechanisms of compression and instability are proposed. Perhaps other studies assert the importance of subarachnoid space regard cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) dynamic. We postulate that cervical spine instability may be the cause of multiple microtrauma towards spinal cord and consequently may damage spinal cord parenchyma generating myelomalacia and consequently syrinx. Otherwise the hemorrhage within spinal cord central canal can cause an obstruction of CSF outflow, finally generating the syrinx. On the other hand in cervical spondylosis the stenotic elements can affect subarachnoid space. These elements rubbing towards spinal cord during movements of the neck can generate arachnoiditis, subarachnoid hemorrhages and arachnoid adhesions. Analyzing the literature these "complications" of cervical spondylosis are described at the origin of syringomyelia. So surgical decompression, enlarging medullary canal prevents rubbings and contacts between the bone-ligament structures of the spine towards spinal cord and subarachnoid space therefore syringomyelia. Perhaps stabilization is also necessary to prevent instability of the cervical spine at the base of central cord syndrome or syringomyelia. Finally although patients affected by central cord syndrome are usually managed conservatively we advocate, also for them, surgical treatment in cases affected by advanced state of the symptoms and MRI.

Dynamic Radiographic Analysis of Sympathetic Cervical Spondylosis Instability

Objective To investigate the correlation between subaxial cervical spine instability and cervical spondylotic sympathetic symptoms as well as the difference of cervical spondylotic subaxial instability between male and female patients. Methods We analyzed retrospectively 318 surgical cases of cervical spondylosis treated at Department of Orthopedic Surgery of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between July 2003 and December 2007. All cases were divided into group A without sympathetic symptoms (n=284) and group B with sympathetic symptoms (n=34). Angular and horizontal translation values between two adjacent vertebral bodies from C2 to C7 were measured separately on hyperflexion and hyperextension lateral cervical spine radiographs. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the correlation between subaxial cervical instability and sympathetic symptoms. Intragroup correlation between patient gender and subaxial cervical instability was also evaluated. Results Subaxial instability incidences in groups A and B were 21.8% (62/284) and 55.9% (19/34), respectively. Statistical analysis indicated a definite correlation between subaxial cervical instability and sympathetic symptoms (P=0.000). Among patients without sympathetic symptoms, subaxial instability incidences were 21.4% (37/173) in males and 22.5% (25/111) in females, respectively (P=0.883). While among patients with sympathetic symptoms, subaxial instability incidences were 27.3% (3/11) in males and 69.6% (16/23) in females, respectively, indicating significant difference (P=0.030). Subaxial instability was most commonly seen at C4-C5 intervertebral space in sympathetic cervical spondylosis patients. Conclusions High correlation exists between subaxial cervical spine instability and cervical spondylotic sympathetic symptoms, especially in female patients. Hyperextension and hyperflexion radiographs of cervical spine are important to assess sympathetic cervical spondylotic subaxial instability.

Expression of c-fos in gastric myenteric plexus and spinal cord of rats with cervical spondylosis

AIM: To determine the expression of c-fos in gastric myenteric plexus and spinal cord of rats with cervical spondylosis and its clinical significance. METHODS: A cervical spondylosis model was established in rats by destroying the stability of cervical posterior column,and the cord segments C4-6 and gastric antrum were collected 3, 4 and 5 mo after the operation. Rats with sham operation were used as controls. c-fos neuronal counter-staining was performed with an immunohistochemistry method. Every third sections from C4-6 segments were drawn. The 10 most labeled c-fos-immunoreactive (Fos-IR) neurons were counted, and the average number was used for statistical analysis. The mean of Fos-IR neurons in myenteric plexus was calculated after counting Fos-IR neurons in 25 ganglia from each antral preparation, and expressed as a mean count per myenteric ganglion.RESULTS: There were a few c-fos-positive neurons in the cervical cord and antrum in the control group. There was an increased c-fos expression in model group 3, 4 and 5 mo after operation, whereas there was no significant increase in c-fos expression in the control group at 3, 4 and 5 mo.More importantly, there was a significant difference in c-fos expression between rats followed up for 3 mo and those for 5 mo in the model group (11.20±2.26 vs 27.68±4.36,P＜0.05, for the cervical cord; and 11.3±2.3 vs 29.3±4.6,P＜0.05, for the gastric antrum). There was no significant difference between rats followed up for 3 mo and those for 4 mo and between rats followed up for 4 mo and those for 5 mo in the model group.CONCLUSION: c-fos expression in gastric myenteric plexus was dramatically associated with that in the spinal cord in rats with cervical spondylosis, suggesting that the gastrointestinal function may be affected by cervical spondylosis. If this hypothesis is confirmed by further studies, functional gastrointestinal diseases such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome could be explained by neurogastroenterology.