The cervical vertebral bodies are the smallest in the mobile spine, distinguished by the uncinate processes (Luschka joints) projecting superolaterally and the foramina transversaria housing the vertebral arteries. Their smaller size relative to the spinal cord (which is proportionally largest in the cervical region) means that even moderate cervical spondylosis can produce significant cord compression — cervical myelopathy — from relatively small canal compromise.
Cervical spondylosis with vertebral body osteophytes and disc height loss is the most common cause of cervical myelopathy and cervical radiculopathy in adults over 50. Osteophytes at the uncovertebral joints and posterior vertebral body margins encroach on the intervertebral foramina and spinal canal respectively. ACDF removes the disc and bony osteophytes from the anterior approach; posterior decompression via laminectomy or laminoplasty decompresses the canal from behind.
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