Cervicothoracic deformity refers to the abnormal alignment or curvature of the spine in the junction between the cervical (neck) and thoracic spine (torso). Cervicothoracic deformities have been found to be more challenging to manage surgically than lumbar deformities because they may result in higher complication rates. Common causes of cervicothoracic deformity include trauma, cervical arthritis, and degenerative disc disease.

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the deformity and can include neck or back pain, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms or legs, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Treatment options for cervicothoracic deformities depend on the severity and nature of the deformity and can include spinal fusion and decompression surgery. When a deformity is identified before it progresses and requires surgery, non-surgical treatments such as bracing and physical therapy may be effective.

Correcting cervicothoracic deformities is often complicated and requires a comprehensive evaluation by a spine specialist who has experience with the condition. Innovative techniques such as three column osteotomies have shown promising results in recent studies and can be used to realign and stabilize the deformity and limit the progression of the condition.

RESOURCES

Ayres EW, Protopsaltis TS, Ani F, et al. Predicting the Magnitude of Distal Junctional Kyphosis Following Cervical Deformity Correction. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2023;48:232–9. Read more...

For additional research on Cervicothoracic Deformity, visit https://issgf.org/researches