Researchers analyzed the characteristics of patients with herniated discs at the cervicothoracic junction, according to a The Spine Journal study.
The study involved 28 patients who had C7/T1 single-level disc surgery. Researchers studied the characteristics, symptom duration, clinical course, pre- and postoperative symptoms and trauma history.
Here are seven takeaways:
1. Disc herniation occurred in the forminal space in the group.
2. Many C7/T1 patients experienced C8 nerve root deficits.
3. The C7/T1 group presented a strong association with trauma history.
4. The C7/T1 group had a greater number of cervical vertebral bodies.
5. Because of the lack of Luschka joints in the C7/T1 group, the disc herniates laterally.
6. C7/T1 disc herniation patients experienced hand motor weakness, because of C8 root compression.
7. The shoulder's lower location may enhance cervicothoracic junction mobility, which would also increase the disc herniation rate at the junction.