European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Comparative Study
A comparative investigation of flexion relaxation phenomenon in healthy and chronic neck pain subjects.
The cervical flexion relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is a neck extensor myoelectric "silence" that occurs during complete cervical and lumbar flexion. In contrast to low back pain, the changes that occur during FRP in chronic neck pain (CNP) patients are still not clear. The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of this phenomenon in the cervical region in CNP patients and controls. ⋯ The results of the present study indicate that FRP in CNP patients was seen less than the healthy subjects, and moreover the FRP period was reduced in CNP patients. Our results also suggest that the changes in FRP of CNP patients may be due to the increased CES activity in these patients.
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Cervical disc herniation (CDH) is found more frequently at the lower cervical spine than at the upper or middle level. However, there is scarcity of data about the laterality of CDH. The aim of this study is to detect the laterality of CDH. ⋯ In this study, it was revealed that the left-sided CDH was more frequent than the right-sided CDH at C6-7 level.
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To test the usefulness of a novel performance test, the tally counter test (counter test), which uses a hand tally counter to objectively assess the severity of cervical myelopathy. ⋯ The tally counter test is objective and quantitative assessment method for patients with cervical myelopathy. The test is simple, reliable, and capable of detecting small functional changes.
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This anatomic, radiographic study investigated locational differences in the C2 pedicle and isthmus [pediculoisthmic component (PIC)] and characterized its narrowest section for clinical application in posterior C2 screw fixation. ⋯ The PIC is located between superior and inferior C2 facets. The superior flat area is the isthmus and the inferomedial area connecting the inferior facet and vertebral body is the pedicle. The pedicle is partially tubular and projects posteromedially to the transverse foramen. The narrowest PIC section is the narrowest point of the C2 pedicle. Considering its thin lateral cortical bone, medial and superior pedicle screw placement and preoperative CT reconstruction are recommended.