X-Ray Features Of Nuchal Ligament Ossification And Discussion On Correlation With Degeneration In Cervical Spine

Objective:To analyze X-Ray features of nuchal ligament ossification and discuss correlation between nuchal ligament ossification and degeneration in cervical spine.Methods:This research is a prospective study.200 lateral X-ray films of neutral position from different patients suffering cervical spondylosis in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from August 2010 to February 2011 were randomly selected and divided equally into 2 groups with nuchal ligament ossification or not. We examined level, form, length and width of ossification, degeneration of related levels, curvature and degeneration degree of C4/5,C5/6 and C6/7 intervertebral discs on films with nuchal ligament ossification and curvature, degeneration degree of same intervertebral discs on films without ossification. Paired t-test were adopted to examine correlation between nuchal ligament ossification and curvature, degeneration degree of low cervical intervertebral discs. Bivarite correlations analysis were adopted to examine correlation between degree of ossification and degree and related intervertebral disc.Result:Nuchal ligament ossification occurred frequently on levels of C4/5 and C5/6. Degeneration were observed on related levels. Significant correlation were detected between ossification and degree of C4/5 and C5/6 intervertebral discs. No significant correlation were detected between nuchal ligament ossification and curvature, degree of ossification and degree and related intervertebral disc.Conclusion:Nuchal ligament ossification may be an important predictor for cervical spondylosis in early stage.