[Cervical spondylosis and vertebrobasilar circulatory disorders]

The symptoms of cervical spondylosis may be removed or reduced in intensity by drug therapy or physiotherapeutic measures. Compression of the roots of the cerebrospinal nerves or the development of symptoms of myelopathy must be managed by surgery. The article discusses the pathophysiology of uncovertebral arthrosis or disorder of vertebrobasiliar circulation caused by spondylarthrosis of the falciform processes and the indications for operation. Analysis of the results of operation for decompression of the spinal arteries, performed on 4 patients, supplies grounds for the conclusion that the spinal artery is compressed not only by the spondylolytic masses but also by a cicatricial connective-tissue ring which forms about it and causes a direct stenosing effect. This factor acquires importance in the formation of morphological changes in the late stage of ttion of the cicatricial ring embracing the vessel. The results of the operative intervention are satisfactory.