Differential Diagnosis for Cervical Spine Degenerative Changes
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervical Spondylosis: This condition is characterized by degenerative changes in the cervical spine, including disc degeneration, osteophyte formation, and facet joint arthritis, which can lead to spinal stenosis and anterolisthesis. The patient's symptoms and imaging findings are consistent with this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis: The patient's imaging shows a 4 mm anterolisthesis of C4 on C5 and mild reversed lordosis, which raises concern for spinal stenosis. This condition can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: The degenerative changes in the cervical spine can lead to disc degeneration, which can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Facet Joint Syndrome: The degenerative changes in the cervical spine can also affect the facet joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Spinal Cord Compression: This is a potentially serious condition that can cause significant neurological deficits if left untreated. The patient's imaging findings raise concern for spinal stenosis, which can lead to spinal cord compression.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Although less likely, rheumatoid arthritis can cause cervical spine instability and degenerative changes, which can lead to spinal stenosis and anterolisthesis.
- Infection (e.g., Osteomyelitis or Discitis): Infection in the cervical spine can cause degenerative changes, pain, and stiffness, and can be a serious condition if left untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a chronic inflammatory disease that can cause degenerative changes in the cervical spine, but it is less common than other diagnoses.
- Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH): This is a rare condition that can cause degenerative changes in the cervical spine, including hyperostosis and ankylosis.
- Cervical Spine Tumor: Although rare, a tumor in the cervical spine can cause degenerative changes, pain, and stiffness, and can be a serious condition if left untreated.