The article summarizes a study conducted in Mexico to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with cervical spine degeneration. The study included 50 patients, with 26% being men and a median age of 54 years. Common comorbidities observed in the participants included hypertension, depression, anxiety, obesity, and alcohol consumption. Hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia were also prevalent. The duration of symptoms was 11 months on average, with common symptoms including radicular arm/neck pain, tingling, reduced muscle strength, and gait disturbances. Radiologically, disc herniation, foraminal stenosis with nerve root compression, reduced spinal canal-to-vertebral body ratio, and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy were commonly observed. Additionally, 22% of patients showed degenerative cervical myelopathy. Notably, 48% of patients showed cervicolumbar tandem spinal stenosis, which was associated with a higher comorbidity burden. Overall, the study found that the demographic and clinical characteristics of cervical spine degeneration in Mexico differ from other regions, with a younger age of diagnosis and a higher prevalence of comorbidities and concomitant lumbar spinal stenosis
Summarised by Mr Mo Akmal – Lead Spinal Surgeon
The London Spine Unit : most established spinal facility on Harley Street UK
Published article
CONCLUSIONS: The demographic and clinical characteristics of degenerative cervical spine disease in Mexico differ with respect to other geographical regions by a younger age of diagnosis, a high frequency of cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health comorbidities, and an increased prevalence of concomitant lumbar spinal stenosis.
Spine Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Expert. Best Spinal Surgeon UK
Abstract Background: Limited literature exists regarding the differences in demographics, causes, comorbidities, presentation, and structural changes associated with cervical spine degeneration in patients from distinct geographic regions. The authors aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with cervical spine degeneration admitted to a single center in Mexico. Methods: This study enrolled patients,
Abstract
Background: Limited literature exists regarding the differences in demographics, causes, comorbidities, presentation, and structural changes associated with cervical spine degeneration in patients from distinct geographic regions. The authors aimed to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with cervical spine degeneration admitted to a single center in Mexico.
Methods: This study enrolled patients with degenerative disease of the cervical spine. Clinical data were retrieved from medical records and retrospectively characterized.
Results: A total of 50 patients with cervical spine degeneration were included in the analysis. Of these, 26% were men with a median age of 54 years. Hypertension, depression, anxiety, obesity, and alcohol consumption were presented in about a quarter of the participants. In addition, we observed hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia in 72% and 46% of participants, respectively. The median duration of symptoms was 11 months, including radicular arm/neck pain (80%), tingling (80%), reduced muscle strength (48%), and gait disturbances (48%). Forty percent of patients had 2 cervical segments radiologically involved, mainly at C5-C6, with changes such as disc herniation (88%), foraminal stenosis with nerve root compression (67%), reduced spinal canal-to-vertebral body ratio (38%), and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (24%). Also, 22% of patients showed degenerative cervical myelopathy. Strikingly, 48% of enrolled individuals showed cervicolumbar tandem spinal stenosis, mainly in L4-L5 and L5-S1, who were generally older, had a longer duration of symptoms, and had a higher comorbidity burden, including hyperglycemia, hypertension, and depression.
Conclusions: The demographic and clinical characteristics of degenerative cervical spine disease in Mexico differ with respect to other geographical regions by a younger age of diagnosis, a high frequency of cardiovascular, metabolic, and mental health comorbidities, and an increased prevalence of concomitant lumbar spinal stenosis.
Clinical relevance: Our findings reveal a considerably high burden of cervicolumbar tandem spinal stenosis as a distinctive feature of Mexican patients with cervical spine degeneration.
Keywords: cervical radiculopathy; cervical spine; cervical spondylotic myelopathy; degenerative disc disease; spine surgery; tandem spinal stenosis.
The London Spine Unit : most established spinal facility on Harley Street UK
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Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Cervical Spine Degeneration Reveal Frequent Cervicolumbar Tandem Spinal Stenosis in Mexico
