Luschka Joint Osteoarthritis

[Novascotia]

Hello Everyone,
I see mu neurosurgeon on Monday. I have a problem mainly at c4-c5. My mri says, "Luschka Joint Osteoarthritis," I was just wondering if I'll still be a candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?. Thanks.

[Harrison]

Hi, sorry you are here.

Your spine doctor who uses motion preservation devices would have to make that decision. In most situations, an advanced arthritis at that level is a contraindication, especially if it exists in the facet joints (z joints).

Here’s a helpful link:
Axial Arthritis — Musculoskeletal Radiology — UW Radiology

From Wikipedia:

In anatomy, Luschka's joints (also called uncovertebral joints) are formed between uncinate processes above, and uncus below; see synovial. They are located in the cervical region of the vertebral column between C3 and C6. Two lips project upward from the superior surface of the vertebral body below, and one projects downward from the inferior surface of vertebral body above. They allow for flexion and extension and limit lateral flexion in the cervical spin

[Novascotia]

Thanks Harrison. My MRI says there is significant left sided neural forimanal narrowing at c-4 c-5 due to luschka joint osteoarthitis. the facet joins are different the luschka joints aren't they?

[Harrison]

You bet! Here's another link that may be helpful:

Luschka Joints of the Cervical Spine

[Novascotia]

I saw the neurosurgeon yesterday. He said because of the slight Kyphosis in my neck he wants to do a single level acdf instead of using an adr. I', in Canada and when he does use the adr it's a prestige disc. So single level acdf it is for me next month. Thanks.