Cervical vertebral malformations.
Abstract: Cervical vertebral malformations are recognized clinically when they result in spinal cord compression causing neurologic deficits. Confirmation of diagnosis is based on radiographic and myelographic evidence of cord compression. Medical therapy is not usually successful. Several successful surgical treatments are described.
Publication Date: 1987-08-01 PubMed ID: 3304571DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30681-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research focuses on cervical vertebral malformations, health problems in the neck area that can lead to neurological issues due to spinal cord compression. The diagnosis for such conditions is typically confirmed through radiography and myelography, with surgical treatments showing more success than medical therapies.
Understanding Cervical Vertebral Malformations
- Cervical vertebral malformations are deformities in the neck’s vertebral structures. These malformations can exert pressure on the spinal cord, leading to neurological deficits that may affect sensation and mobility. These symptoms might present clinically, driving patients to seek medical intervention.
- The cervical section of the spine is critical because it safeguards the spinal cord and supports the head. Thus, any deformities in this region can have significant impacts on an individual’s health and quality of life.
Diagnosis of Cervical Vertebral Malformations
- This study indicates that the diagnosis of cervical vertebral malformations heavily relies on radiographic and myelographic evidence. These are imaging techniques used to visualize the structures within the neck and spinal region.
- Radiography uses X-rays to create images of the inside of the body, including bones and tissues. It can reveal abnormalities in the cervical vertebrae that might suggest malformations.
- Myelography involves injecting a contrast material into the spinal canal and then taking X-rays or CT scans. This procedure allows doctors to see the spinal cord more clearly and identify any compression caused by vertebral malformations.
Treatment for Cervical Vertebral Malformations
- The research reveals that medical therapy is usually not successful at treating cervical vertebral malformations, implying that medication and other non-invasive treatments might not provide substantial relief or result in a satisfactory condition improvement.
- However, it is suggested that multiple surgical treatments have shown success. This could mean procedures that aim to correct the malformation, relieve the pressure on the spinal cord, or both. The specifics of these surgeries are not detailed in the abstract, but they may include techniques such as vertebral fusion or decompression surgery.
Cite This Article
APA
Wagner PC, Grant BD, Reed SM.
(1987).
Cervical vertebral malformations.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 3(2), 385-396.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30681-8 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Cervical Vertebrae / abnormalities
- Cervical Vertebrae / surgery
- Horse Diseases / congenital
- Horse Diseases / surgery
- Horse Diseases / therapy
- Horses
- Spinal Cord Diseases / etiology
- Spinal Cord Diseases / surgery
- Spinal Cord Diseases / therapy
- Spinal Cord Diseases / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Huggons N. Tri-level surgical treatment of cervical spinal cord compression in a Thoroughbred yearling. Can Vet J 2007 Jun;48(6):635-8.
- Mackie MK. Cervical stenotic myelopathy in a horse. Can Vet J 2001 Dec;42(12):943-4.
- Journée SL, Journée HL, Bergmann W, Chantziaras I, Vanderperren K, Raes E, Reed SM, de Bruijn CM, Berends HI, Delesalle CJG. Evaluation of the diagnostic value of transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) to assess neuronal functional integrity in horses. Front Neurosci 2024;18:1342803.
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