Uncovertebral Joints’ Degeneration Prevalence and Association with Demographics and Symptoms

Abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of degenerative changes in uncovertebral joints and to assess the association of degenerative changes with age, sex, history of neck trauma, and neck-related symptoms. This may help in diagnosing the degenerative changes and developing treatment modalities. The method used is the cross-sectional analytical study. The sample comprised 90 males and 122 females aged 20–85, referred for a CT scan due to cervical complaints. All subjects completed a demographic questionnaire that included age, sex, and body mass index (BMI), in addition to two self-administered health-related quality of life questionnaires: Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Quick Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder & Hand (Quick-DASH). The same trained assessor performed evaluations of uncovertebral joints (at five spinal levels and on both sides). The prevalence of degenerative changes in the uncovertebral joints was high (58.1%), with the highest prevalence at the level C₅-C₆ (69.8% on the right and 67.4% on the left side). The difference between the left and right degeneration score was not significant (t = 1.407, p = 0.161). Age, sex, BMI, and history of neck accidents were significantly associated with the number of affected joints (r-square of regression = 0.58). No significant associations were found between the number of affected joints and the Quick-DASH or NDI. Degenerative changes in the uncovertebral joints are common and symmetric, with the highest prevalence at the C₅-C₆ spinal level. Degenerative changes in uncovertebral joints were found to be significantly associated with age, sex, BMI, and history of neck accidents, but not with smoking or the patients’ self-reported pain and disability. Mini Abstract: In the study of 212 patients referred for a CT due to cervical complaints, we found a high prevalence of degenerative changes in uncovertebral joints (58.1%) that were symmetrical. These changes were significantly associated with age, sex, BMI, and history of neck accidents, but not with smoking or self-reported pain and disability. Level of Evidence: 2 (Diagnosis-individual cross-sectional studies with the consistently applied reference standard and blinding). Key Points: • Degenerative changes in the uncovertebral joints are common and quite symmetric (right-left). • The highest prevalence of degenerative changes in the uncovertebral joints was found at the C₅-C₆ spinal level. • Degenerative changes in the uncovertebral joints were found to be significantly associated with age, sex, BMI, and history of neck accidents, but not with smoking. • No association was found between degenerative changes in the uncovertebral joints and the patients’ self-reported pain and disability.