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Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis: a systematic review

Sheng-Dan Jiang1, Lei-Sheng Jiang, Li-Yang Dai

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, 200092 Shanghai, China.

International Orthopaedics
|January 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis, often overlooked, presents with neck pain, radiculopathy, and myelopathy. Surgical intervention is considered for instability or spinal cord compression.

Area of Science:

  • Spine surgery
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis (DCS) is less studied than lumbar spondylolisthesis.
  • DCS may be more prevalent than previously recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review DCS to inform treatment guidelines.
  • To analyze the clinical presentation, causes, and management of DCS.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of English articles (1947-2010).
  • Focused on radiological examination and management of DCS.

Main Results:

  • 102 patients with DCS experienced neck pain (51%), radiculopathy (22.5%), and myelopathy (63.7%).
  • Most common levels affected were C3/4 (46%) and C4/5 (49.4%).
  • Disc degeneration and facet hypertrophy were primary causes; 46.3% showed segmental instability.

Conclusions:

  • Further prospective studies are needed for definitive management strategies.
  • Surgery is indicated for radiologically proven DCS with instability or spinal cord compression.
Abstract

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