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Optical Sectioning and Visualization of the Intervertebral Disc from Embryonic Development to Degeneration
Published on: July 8, 2021
Segment-specific association between cervical pillar hyperplasia (CPH) and degenerative joint disease (DJD)
Maja Stupar1, Cynthia K Peterson2
1Division of Clinical Education, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, ON M2H 3J1, Canada.
Chiropractic & Osteopathy
|September 15, 2006
Summary
Cervical pillar hyperplasia (CPH) shows a weak-to-moderate association with degenerative joint disease (DJD) in the cervical spine. This finding suggests CPH may be one of several factors contributing to DJD development at specific spinal levels.
Area of Science:
- Spinal biomechanics
- Radiographic analysis
- Degenerative joint disease research
Background:
- Cervical pillar hyperplasia (CPH) is a newly identified condition with an unknown cause and clinical significance.
- Previous studies assessing CPH globally have not linked it to degenerative joint disease (DJD).
- Segment-specific analysis may offer a clearer understanding of CPH's influence on cervical spine biomechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between degenerative joint disease (DJD) and cervical pillar hyperplasia (CPH).
- To analyze this relationship on a by-level basis within the cervical spine.
- To utilize an age- and gender-matched sample for robust statistical analysis.
Main Methods:
- Collected 240 radiographs from individuals aged 40-69.
- Assessed segmental CPH (C3-C6) and segment-specific DJD (C1-C7).
- Employed Contingency Coefficients and Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) to determine association strength.
Main Results:
- A weak-to-moderate correlation (approx. 2:1 odds) was observed between CPH at C4/C5 and adjacent degenerative disc disease (DDD).
- Strongest associations were found between C4 CPH and C4-5 DDD, and C5 CPH and C5-6 DDD.
- Age-stratified analysis revealed significant associations in specific age groups (40-44, 50-59, 60-64), with ORs ranging from 5.3 to 6.7.
Conclusions:
- CPH demonstrates a weak-to-moderate association with DJD (specifically DDD) at certain cervical spine levels.
- The odds of DJD associated with CPH are approximately two-to-one.
- CPH is likely one contributing factor among several to the development of DJD in the cervical spine.
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