title: Small central cervical disc syndrome: evaluation and treatment of chronic disabling neck pain.
abstract: In this retrospective study of 22 patients with severe disabling neck, interscapular, and shoulder pain we evaluated the effectiveness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of small central cervical disc ruptures, and anterior cervical discectomy for the treatment of this condition. Conservative therapy had failed for all patients. All had been disabled for their normal activities for at least 6 months. MRI demonstrated two patterns of mid- or parasagittal disc disease. Anterior cervical discectomy produced nine excellent, six good, five fair, and two poor results. All but one patient returned to his/her former occupation. MRI is essential in the evaluation of patients with chronic neck pain who have failed conservative therapy and present with axial rather than appendicular complaints. Anterior cervical discectomy can be useful in well-selected patients with this syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of South Alabama Medical Center, Mobile 36617.
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Metzger
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schlitt
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Quindlen
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007403:Intervertebral Disc; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D012649:Self Concept; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013577:Syndrome; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed