Assessment of intravertebral pneumatocysts, degenerative joint disease, and ponticulus posticus in the cervical spine through cone beam computed tomography examination.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence rates and radiologic characteristics of intravertebral pneumatocysts (IVP), degenerative joint disease (DJD), and ponticulus posticus (PP) in the cervical spine by using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The correlations of the lesions with patient age and sex, as well as the correlations among the lesions, were also evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN

CBCT images obtained from 440 patients were assessed retrospectively. Correlations between patient demographic characteristics and IVP, DJD, and PP in the cervical vertebrae were analyzed by using χ tests and logistic regression analysis. A difference of P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

IVP occurred in 22 of 1792 vertebrae (1.2%) and in 17 of 440 patients (3.9%). DJD findings were observed in the cervical vertebrae of 260 patients (59.1%). PPs were found in 245 patients (55.7%). The prevalence rate of DJD varied significantly by age group (P = .002), whereas the prevalence rates of IVP and PP did not. There was a significant correlation between both DJD and PP with demographic characteristics (P < .001) and between DJD and PP in patients without IVPs (P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

Although DJD is common, radiologists should carefully examine CBCT scans of vertebrae for IVP and PP. Patients with DJD should be evaluated for the presence of PP.