Abstract
Introduction
The aim of the study was to compare the degree of degenerative changes in the cervical spine of thalidomide embryopathy (TE) patients−in whom upper limb malformations often necessitate help with grip function through the mouth or by head motion, and may thereby add extra load to the spine−with that in a control group (CTR).
Material and Methods
Twenty-seven middle-aged TE patients and 27 age- and gender-matched healthy CTR were examined by cervical MRI. The presence of malformations, disc herniations, osteophytes, nerves and medullary compression, were evaluated. Disc degenerations (DD), were graded according to the Pfirrmann classification.
Results
Similar frequencies of disc herniation and disc space narrowing were observed in both groups, but there was more foraminal narrowing in the TE group (ρ < 0.002). Significantly more DD were seen in the TE group than in the controls (ρ < 0.001). Evaluation of all discs (n = 135 per group) showed Pfirrmann grade I in 0% of the TE group and 2% of the controls. Grade II was found in 3% and 36%, respectively, grade III in 46% and 50%, grade IV in 38% and 11%, and grade V in 13% and 0% (ρ < 0.001). DD were observed frequently at all levels for the TE group, however mainly in the two lower levels for the CTR.
Conclusion
The more frequently observed degenerative changes of foraminal narrowing and disc signal changes in the TE group support the theory that a higher load on the cervical spine leads to earlier development of DD.