Improvement of Objectivity and Accuracy in Cervical Disc Degeneration Grade Assessment Using Imaging Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study

Study DesignA cross-sectional retrospective study.ObjectivesThis study aims to analyze the correlation between cervical disc degeneration grade and cervical imaging parameters and improve grade assessment objectivity and accuracy under the Miyazaki disc degeneration grading system.MethodsCervical disc degeneration was graded using the Miyazaki disc degeneration grading system. Cervical imaging parameters included the disc height index (DHI) and segmental range of motion (sROM) in the lateral X-ray view. Correlation, subgroup analysis, and linear regression analysis were conducted to analyze the relationships between cervical disc degeneration grades, DHI, and sROM, respectively. The kappa value for the Miyazaki disc degeneration grading system was analyzed before and after considering imaging parameters.ResultsA total of 98 patients (47 males and 51 females, age from 29 to 85 years ) with 490 discs were included in the analysis. Correlation analysis revealed that cervical disc degeneration grade related to DHI (ρ = -0.543, <i>P</i> < 0.001) and sROM (ρ = -0.309, <i>P</i> < 0.001) across different cervical segments, age, sex, and body mass index groups (majority of <i>P</i> < 0.05). Linear regression analysis illustrated a negative impact of the cervical disc degeneration grade on DHI (B = -0.058, <i>P</i> < 0.001) and sROM (B = -0.903, <i>P</i> < 0.001). Regarding the regression coefficients, the kappa value for the Miyazaki disc degeneration grading system increased from 0.626 to 0.812.ConclusionsCervical disc degeneration grade was associated with DHI and sROM in adult patients, and reference to cervical imaging parameters could improve the objectivity and accuracy of the Miyazaki disc degeneration grading system.