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DEGEnERATiVE

DisoRDERs oF ThE

spinE You shouLD

knoW AbouT

Degenerative disease of the spine is a

By Dr H M Madumo, progressive deterioration of the structures
Neurosurgery,
Netcare Waterfall of the spine, including intervertebral discs,
City Hospital
bones, ligaments, joints and capsules.

m any adults over the age of 50 years will

have radiologic features of degeneration
of the spine, but only a small percentage
will present with neurological symptoms.
Knowing more about such disorders can help in
early detection and effective treatment practices.

Also known as Spondylosis, spine-related disorders can
occur from a combination of various factors such as:
• Shallow spinal canal
• Degeneration of intervertebral disc -
herniations and osteophytes
• Hypertrophy of facet joints, osteophytes,
ligaments and laminae
• Subluxations
• Altered segmental mobility and normal
curvature of the spine (Lordosis).

Cervical Spondylosis is the most common cause
of Myelopathy in patients over 55 years of age.

pAThoGEnEsis oF ThE DisEAsE
This involves direct compression of neural structures,
ischemia due to arterial compression and/or venous

Waterfall Issue 3 2020 23