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. 2011 Jun;35(6):869-75.
doi: 10.1007/s00264-010-1203-5. Epub 2011 Jan 25.

Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis: a systematic review

Sheng-Dan Jiang  1 , Lei-Sheng Jiang, Li-Yang Dai
Affiliations

Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis: a systematic review

Sheng-Dan Jiang et al. Int Orthop. 2011 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis has received insufficient attention, in contrast to degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis. In fact, degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis may be more common than previously thought.

Methods: In order to provide appropriate guidelines for the treatment of degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis, a systematic review of degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis was performed. An English literature search from January 1947 to November 2010 was completed with reference to radiological examination and management of degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis.

Results: Of 102 patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis, 52 patients (51%) had neck or occipital pain, 23 patients (22.5%) were referred with radiculopathy and 65 patients (63.7%) presented with myelopathy or myeloradiculopathy. Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis was most common in C3/4 and C4/5, occurring in 81 patients at C3/4 (46%) and 87 at C4/5 (49.4%). Disc degeneration and facet hypertrophy were the main causes of this clinical entity. Of 123 patients, 57 (46.3%) were found to have segmental instability as shown by flexion-extension lateral radiographs. There are two classification systems for degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis. Surgery was indicated in patients who had radiologically proven cervical spondylolisthesis with instability and/or spinal cord compression.

Conclusion: Prospective studies should be designed in the future to draw a more reliable conclusion about the management of degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Distribution of the involved levels in patients with degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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