Disc Degeneration and Cervical Instability

STUDY DESIGN: An imaging study was designed to evaluate disc degeneration and segmental instability in the cervical spine. OBJECTIVES: To compare the magnetic resonance imaging assessment of disc degeneration with the conventional plain radiographic evaluation of cervical segmental instability. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: No studies have been conducted to investigate the association of disc degeneration with cervical instability. METHODS: Two hundred sixty consecutive patients with suspected cervical spine disorders were analyzed for horizontal and angular displacements on lateral flexion and extension radiographs and disc degeneration on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of the cervical vertebrae. RESULTS: In all intervertebral levels, the grade of disc degeneration increased significantly (P < 0.01) with age. Cervical instability was identified in 151 segments (14.5%) and correlated with Grade 1 and Grade 2 degeneration in the intervertebral discs (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical segmental instability may indicate early degeneration of intervertebral disc in the cervical vertebrae.