Cervical spinal canal stenosis
ANATOMY OF THE SPINE
The human spine is formed by individual vertebrae and connective tissue discs in between. The vertebrae form the spinal canal. There are seven cervical, twelve thoracic, and five lumbar vertebrae. The intervertebral discs are the link between the individual vertebral bodies.
Normal anatomy of the spine. Longitudinal section and cross sections through the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.
The little joints that link the vertebrae together are known as facet joints. They help to stabilize the spine and, together with the intervertebral discs, allow a certain degree of mobility of the spinal cord. The spinal canal should be wide enough to allow nerve roots to float freely in cerebrospinal fluid.
The front border of the spinal canal is built by the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, the side by the intervertebral joints (facets) and back by the ligamentum flavum (yellow band) and vertebral arches. Discs consist of an outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus), which surrounds an inner gel-like center (nucleus pulposus).
The spinal cord and nerve roots lie within the spinal canal. The spinal cord extends downwards approx. to the 1st lumbar vertebra. Below, only nerve roots are present in the spinal canal. At the level of the intervertebral disc the nerve roots pass through the neural root foramina to exit the spinal canal. The spinal cord and nerve roots conduct electric-like signals from the skin and joints to the brain, and process of movement is initiated from the brain to the muscles.
DESCRIPTION
Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This constriction compresses the spinal cord affecting the nerve fibers extending to the hands and/or legs. The pressure on the spinal cord usually increases slowly over months and years. Therefore, the symptoms slowly progress over time.
Spinal canal stenosis in the cervical spine
A MRI image of a cervical spinal canal stenosis
CAUSE OF SYMPTOMS
Gradually progressing compression of the cervical spinal cord
SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
Unsteady gait (especially in dark rooms)
Stiffness, numbness and weakness of the hands and legs
Retention, or unintended urinary incontinence
Numbness of the genitals and loss of sexual function
THE DIAGNOSIS IS BASED ON
Medical history Clinical exam and at least one of the following tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Computer tomography Myelography additionally you may have to do:
Functional (dynamic) radiographs Somatosensory evoked potentials TREATMENT
Non-surgical (conservative) treatment can temporarily improve some of the symptoms in less severe cases.
Non-surgical treatment may include
Physiotherapy Physical exercise Strengthening the back muscles
Treatment with heat (Fango) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Corticosteroids WHEN SHOULD AN OPERATION BE PERFORMED?
Because of the gradual worsening of the symptoms almost always surgery is required. Due to the chronic progressive nature of the disease an emergency operation is rarely necessary.
Elective surgery should be considered when clinical or electrophysiological (pathological SSEP) signs of spinal cord injury are present
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF SURGERY?
To release the compressed nerve roots and/or spinal cord
To stop the worsening of the symptoms
To improve symptoms (e.g. pain reduction)
To preserve the protective function of the spine
HOW IS SURGERY PERFORMED?
Posterior decompression +/- fusion for a cervical spinal canal stenosis
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for a cervical spinal canal stenosis
WHICH OTHER DISEASES SHOULD BE EXCLUDED (DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS)?
Radiculitis Tumor of the spine Peripheral nerve compression syndromes A disease of peripheral nerves (e.g. polyneuropathy) Vertebral fractures Spinal abscess Disc herniation Other
The condition is treated by medical spetialists in the field of: