Sagittal profile of cervical and entire spine before and after surgery of subaxial cervical spine. Review

Abstract

Introduction: Until recently, there was a lack of information on sagittal axis parameters of the cervical spine, its relationship to the global sagittal axis of the spine, and their possible implications for long-term clinical outcomes in patients following subaxial cervical spine surgery. The aim of the authors is to provide an overview of the issue from available literature.
Methods: The authors present a complete overview of local radiological parameters of the sagittal axis of the cervical spine, an overview of radiological parameters of the total sagittal axis of the spine, and also spinopelvic parameters. Normative values of the majority of individual parameters are summarized. The authors discuss several topics such as: The possible effects of sagittal axis parameters on the clinical condition of an individual before surgery; furthermore, whether a change in sagittal parameters of the cervical and whole spine after subaxial cervical spine surgery can affect the clinical condition and postoperative patient satisfaction. Finally, the methodology of specific operations is discussed, including their ability to change the parameters of the sagittal axis of the spine.
Conclusion: Short patient monitoring times and the predominant use of retrospective methodology are common drawbacks of most studies. Also, there are no clearly determined procedures and specifications for surgical correction of the sagittal axis of the cervical spine. As it turns out, multistage procedures are more appropriate to achieve changes of the cervical sagittal axis. It is also gradually becoming apparent that any local change of the cervical spine may affect the sagittal...