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Cervical spine meniscoids: an update on their morphological characteristics and potential clinical significance

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Abstract

Purpose

Cervical spine meniscoids are intra-articular folds of synovial membrane that have been theorised to have potential clinical significance in neck pain. Recent anatomical and clinical research has re-visited the pathoanatomical capacity of these structures. The purpose of this review is to discuss cervical spine meniscoid morphology in light of recently published work, to provide an update on the plausible relevance of these structures to clinical practice.

Methods

Narrative review critically discussing basic science and clinical research regarding cervical spine meniscoids, with focus upon implications for clinical practice.

Results

Basic science research indicates that cervical spine meniscoids can be innervated and appear to vary in morphology in the presence of articular degeneration. In a clinical population, associations have been observed between cervical spine meniscoid morphology and presence of cervical spine symptoms.

Conclusions

Recent studies regarding cervical spine meniscoid morphology provide further evidence of pathoanatomical capacity of these structures. Further research is required, however, in clinical populations to empirically investigate specific theorised mechanisms of cervical spine meniscoid involvement in neck pain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Recover Injury Research Centre, Griffith University, Building G05, Griffith University Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia

    S. F. Farrell & M. Sterling

  2. School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia

    P. G. Osmotherly & D. A. Rivett

  3. Graduate School of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

    J. Cornwall

  4. Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

    J. Cornwall

  5. Centre for Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Science, Zurich, Switzerland

    J. Cornwall

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  1. S. F. Farrell
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  2. P. G. Osmotherly
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  3. J. Cornwall
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  4. M. Sterling
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  5. D. A. Rivett
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Correspondence to S. F. Farrell.

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Farrell, S.F., Osmotherly, P.G., Cornwall, J. et al. Cervical spine meniscoids: an update on their morphological characteristics and potential clinical significance. Eur Spine J 26, 939–947 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4915-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4915-4

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