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European Spine Journal

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01-05-2020 | Original Article

Is there cervical spine muscle weakness in patients with Hirayama disease? A morphological study about cross-sectional areas of muscles on MRI

Authors: Zhechen Li, Wenming Zhang, Wence Wu, Chao Wei, Xuanwei Chen, Jianhua Lin

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Purpose

Patients with Hirayama disease (HD) present with a larger range of neck flexion and show signs of cervical spine instability. Cervical spine stability largely relies on cervical spine muscles. The purpose of this study was to compare the cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of cervical spine muscles between patients with HD and healthy controls, providing some insights into whether there is cervical spine muscle weakness and incongruence in HD patients.

Methods

In this retrospective study, cervical spine muscles CSAs of 44 HD patients, as well as that of 44 age- and sex-matched healthy counterparts, were measured on the T2-weighted axial MR images. The ratios of cervical spine muscles CSA to the corresponding vertebral body areas, defined as R-CSAs, and the flexor/extensor CSA ratios were computed and compared between two groups.

Results

Compared with healthy counterparts, R-CSAs of total cervical spine muscles, total extensors, superficial extensors, and deep flexors were significantly lower in HD patients. HD patients also demonstrated a significantly greater superficial flexor/superficial extensor CSA ratio than the healthy counterparts, indicating a mismatch between superficial flexors CSA and superficial extensors CSA in HD patients.

Conclusions

In this pioneering study, HD patients had decreased size in most cervical spine muscles and a mismatch between CSAs of superficial flexor and that of superficial extensors. These results indicate generalized weakness and incongruence of cervical spine muscles, which may predispose cervical spine of HD patients to a less stable situation.

Graphic abstract

These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Is there cervical spine muscle weakness in patients with Hirayama disease? A morphological study about cross-sectional areas of muscles on MRI
Authors: Zhechen Li
Wenming Zhang
Wence Wu
Chao Wei
Xuanwei Chen
Jianhua Lin
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-020-06290-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Is there cervical spine muscle weakness in patients with Hirayama disease? A morphological study about cross-sectional areas of muscles on MRI

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Graphic abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Graphic abstract

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