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European Spine Journal

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Ideas and Technical Innovations

How old is your cervical spine? Cervical spine biological age: a new evaluation scale

Authors: Venceslao Wierzbicki, Alessandro Pesce, Luigi Marrocco, Emanuele Piccione, Claudio Colonnese, Riccardo Caruso

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 12/2015

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims at presenting a scale that, through the analysis of MRI images, clearly charts the various degenerative stages of the cervical spine and establishes its biological age. We have created this scale by summing together various scores linked to a selection of parameters according to which MRI images are analyzed.

Method

We examined 423 cervical spine MRI scans, belonging to patients who had been admitted to the Medical Imaging Service of the Military Hospital of Rome between January 2010 and July 2011. We selected 6 parameters for the analysis of the MRI scans of the cervical spine: (1) the degeneration of the intervertebral discs, (2) the degeneration of the yellow ligaments, (3) the degeneration of the vertebral bodies, (4) the possible presence of spondylolistheses, (5) the presence or absence of foraminal stenosis, and (6) the diameter of the spinal canal. We assigned to each parameter a score system based on a graduated scale. The cervical spine physiological age can be determined by summing up the scores obtained for each parameter.

Results

We submitted the data obtained from the study to a statistical enquiry. The results of the enquiry confirmed the suitability of the parameters selected for the evaluation of the aging process of the cervical spine.

Conclusions

The effectiveness of the various treatments for cervical spine degenerative disorders is influenced by the overall anatomical conditions of the cervical spine. Up until now there has been no objective criterion for the evaluation of these anatomical conditions. We believe that this scale will be a useful tool to homogenize retrospective studies and to correctly set up prospective studies on the degenerative conditions of the cervical spine and relative treatments.

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Title: How old is your cervical spine? Cervical spine biological age: a new evaluation scale
Authors: Venceslao Wierzbicki
Alessandro Pesce
Luigi Marrocco
Emanuele Piccione
Claudio Colonnese
Riccardo Caruso
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 12/2015
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-014-3673-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

How old is your cervical spine? Cervical spine biological age: a new evaluation scale

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

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