cervical spondylosis

Question 1

what is cervical spondylosis

Answer 1

degeneration of vertebral column in the neck

Question 2

RF for cervical spondylosis

Answer 2

age
work involving repetitive neck work
prev traumatic neck injury
fh

Question 3

clinical features of cervical spondylosis

Answer 3

asx
neck pain
stiffness
referred - retro-orbital, temporal,occipital, interscapular, upper limbs

o/e
* reduced ROM
* tender
* radiculopathy inc deminished arm reflexes
* quadriplegia

Question 4

ix for cervical spondylosis

Answer 4

cervical xr
* ostyphyte
* narrow disc space
* narrow intervertebral foramina

mri if neuro involvement

Question 5

mx of cervical spondylosis

Answer 5

lifestyle
* normal activities
* dont drive if ROM restricted
* one firm pillow

meds
* analgesia - paracetamol, NSAIDS, codeine
* amitriptyline / pregabalin / gabapentin if no response

physio if sx >4wks
OT
surgery

Question 6

indications for surgery for cervical spondylosis

Answer 6

neurological deficit