Anatomical and epidemiological examination of the structure and localization of osteophytes of cervical vertebrae in geriatric patients by using computed tomography method

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the osteophytes seen in the cervical vertebrae of geriatric individuals in various parameters. Materials and Methods: 764 (M: 413, F: 351) individuals who were admitted to the State Hospital Radiology Outpatient Clinic with various complaints between the years 2018 and 2023 and who met the criteria were examined in our study. A total of 1209 osteophytes were found in the individuals. The osteophytes were evaluated in terms of gender, age, grade, vertebral level, vertebral spacing, anatomical aspect, anatomical surface and length parameters. Results: Osteophyte formation increased with age in individuals (p<0.05). Osteophyte formation was observed more frequently in men when compared to women (p>0.05). Claw type osteophytes were observed commonly in all individuals (p<0.05). While fused type osteophytes were observed commonly in men, traction-type osteophytes were observed more frequently in women (p<0.05). Osteophyte formation of grade 2 severity was observed in all individuals (p>0.05). While fused osteophytes were commonly observed at grade 4 severity, claw and traction type osteophytes were observed at grade 2 severity (p<0.05). Osteophytes were commonly observed at the C5 vertebra level in all individuals (p>0.05). Fused and traction type osteophytes were commonly seen at the C6 level, while claw type osteophytes are commonly seen at the C5 level (p<0.05). In all individuals, osteophytes were most common in the C5-6 space, followed by the C4-5, C6-7 (p>0.05). Osteophytes were commonly seen anteriorly in both sexes and all osteophyte types (p<0.05). All osteophyte types were commonly observed in the inferior surface of the vertebra (p<0.05). Males had relatively longer osteophytes (mm) than females (p<0.05). Claw type osteophyte was observed in longer dimensions than traction type osteophyte (p<0.05) Conclusions: Osteophyte type and grade severity were found to vary between individuals. In the examinations, varying features were observed in the vertebral level, anatomical aspect, surface and length parameters of the osteophytes.