Comparison of neck length, relative neck length and height with incidence of cervical spondylosis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the neck length, relative neck length and height between patients with cervical spondylosis and healthy subjects. METHODS: This case control study was conducted at Patel hospital, Karachi after the ethical approval of Bahria University Medical and Dental College (BUMDC) and Patel hospital from September 2018 - February 2019. It enrolled eighty eight cases of cervical spondylosis and eighty eight healthy subjects. Radiographs were taken in the lateral view and neck length was measured as the distance from external occipital protuberance to seventh cervical vertebra spinous process. Then relative neck length was measured by dividing the neck length with height and multiplying it by 100. The Kellgren Lawrence grade scale was used to assess the severity of cervical spondylosis. RESULTS: A total of 176 participants were analyzed. It was found that the height remains the significant determinant. The comparison of cases with control group was done using independent T-test which showed that the cases were significantly shorter than controls with a p-value < 0.05. The other variables such as neck length, and relative neck length were insignificant. CONCLUSION: Short height can be considered as a risk factor for cervical spondylosis. Short-statured individuals should be counseled to adopt measures for the prevention of cervical spondylosis.