Spondylosis (Spinal OA)

Question 1

define spondylosis

Answer 1

the intervertebral discs lose water content with ageing which leads to overload at facet joints

Question 2

presentation

Answer 2

pain worse with extension of the spine

Question 3

diagnosis

Answer 3

XR
MRI
serum CRP and ESR

Question 4

management

Answer 4

facet joint injections under fluoroscopy (not for non-specific multi-level OA)
localised fusion (inconsistent results) if only one or two segments affected

Question 5

presentation of cervical spondylosis

Answer 5

slow onset stiffness and pain in neck

pain can radiate to shoulders and occiput