Uncovertebral osteoarthritis

Mechanism and manifestations

The term uncovertebral arthrosis is also used. Findings may be asymptomatic or accompany neck pain and sometimes radiculopathy; side and level should agree with symptoms.

Diagnosis and management

Neurological examination and indicated imaging assess concordance. Exercise and conservative care may support function; progressive deficit or myelopathy requires specialist advice. No modality guarantees osteophyte removal or lasting enlargement of a bony foramen.

Points to consider

The age of changes, symptoms and previous investigations help interpret abnormalities. After surgery, operated levels, implants and surgical restrictions matter. Recent deterioration should not automatically be attributed to ordinary wear or familiar stiffness.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• Pseudarthrosis after spinal fusion — Failure of the expected bony union after spinal fusion, which may cause symptoms or be found during follow-up.
• Kümmell disease — Delayed vertebral collapse after fracture, often associated with nonunion and an intravertebral cleft, frequently in the setting of fragile bone.

Medical references

1. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. Neck Pain.
2. OpenStax, Rice University. Anatomy and Physiology 2e — The Vertebral Column.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.