This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
C7 slope may be a useful marker of overall sagittal balance
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
A significant correlation between the upper and lower cervical spine exists, demonstrating inherent compensatory mechanisms to maintain overall balance, according to the findings from a recently published study.
Researchers analyzed digital lateral standing cervical radiographs of 145 patients, which included 45 full-standing radiographs obtained from the patient group.
A significant correlation was revealed between C2-7 and Oc-C2 (P < .01), Oc-C2 (P < .01), and C1-2 angle (P < .01), according to the researchers. Additionally, the C7 slope was significantly correlated with C2-7 (P < .01) and with the Oc-C2 angle (P = .02). The researchers also found the C7 sagittal vertical axis correlated significantly with the C7 slope (P < .01).
Overall, total cervical lordosis was not found to differ significantly between patients who were asymptomatic, symptomatic and surgically treated. Although correlations between C2-7 and Oc-C2 were found to be stronger among asymptomatic patients, the researchers found the between group difference was not significant.
The researchers noted results showed the C7 slope may be an indicator of global sagittal thoracolumbar balance for patients undergoing cervical reconstructive surgery. They concluded that the cervical interdependences were stably maintained throughout the continuum between patients with cervical spine disorders and asymptomatic persons. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosures: Núñez-Pereira reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts