T1 slope and degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurosurgery
• Radiology

Background:

• Cervical sagittal balance is crucial, akin to pelvic incidence, and linked to the T1 slope.
• Degenerative cervical spondylolisthesis (DCS) is less studied than its lumbar counterpart, with limited understanding of its characteristic sagittal parameters.
• The T1 slope's role in DCS pathophysiology requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze and compare cervical sagittal parameters, specifically the T1 slope, in patients with DCS.
• To compare these parameters between a DCS cohort and an asymptomatic control group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 45 patients diagnosed with DCS.
• Comparison with 45 age- and sex-matched asymptomatic controls.
• Measurement of cervical sagittal parameters including T1 slope, neck tilt, thoracic inlet angle, and cervical lordosis (C2-C7 angle) using standing radiographs and CT scans.

Main Results:

• The T1 slope was significantly greater in the DCS group (26.06° ± 7.3°) compared to the control group (22.32° ± 7.0°, P < 0.005).
• No significant differences were observed in neck tilt, thoracic inlet angle, or C2-C7 angle between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The DCS group exhibited a higher T1 slope than the control group.
• A high T1 slope may be a predisposing factor for the development of DCS.