Craniovertebral junction pathology in high cervical disc disease

Abstract

CVJ pathology is a predisposing factor for HCDD. HCDD presents in a poorer Nurick's grade compared to lower cervical PIVD and majority of the patients have T2 hyperintense intramedullary signal changes in MRI. Presence of T2 hyperintense intramedullary signal changes is associated with poorer pre-op clinical status and poorer post-op outcome.