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Laterality of cervical disc herniation

Yuichi Takahashi1, Takao Yasuhara, Shinji Kumamoto

  • 1Department of Spine and Spinal Surgery, Shinkomonji Hospital, 2-5, Dairishinmachi, Moji, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 800-0057, Japan. yuichi5356@yahoo.co.jp

European Spine Journal : Official Publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
|November 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

This study found left-sided cervical disc herniation (CDH) is more common at the C6-7 level. Understanding CDH laterality aids in surgical planning and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neurosurgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Cervical disc herniation (CDH) commonly affects lower cervical levels.
  • Limited data exists on the laterality (left vs. right) of CDH.
  • Laterality may influence clinical presentation and surgical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the laterality of cervical disc herniation (CDH).
  • To determine if CDH occurs more frequently on one side compared to the other.
  • To analyze laterality across different lower cervical levels (C4-5, C5-6, C6-7).

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 75 patients with single-level CDH.
  • Analysis of preoperative computed tomography myelograms and magnetic resonance imaging.
  • Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test to assess laterality.

Main Results:

  • CDH occurred at C4-5 (11 cases), C5-6 (42 cases), and C6-7 (22 cases).
  • At C5-6, laterality was balanced (20 right, 22 left).
  • Significantly more left-sided CDH (19 cases) than right-sided (3 cases) was observed at C6-7 (p < 0.025).

Conclusions:

  • Left-sided CDH is significantly more prevalent at the C6-7 level.
  • Findings suggest a directional predisposition for CDH at specific lower cervical segments.
  • Understanding CDH laterality is crucial for targeted diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Abstract

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