[Clinical significance of nuchal ligament calcification and the discussion on biomechanics].

Objective: To improve the cognition about X-ray characteristics of nuchal ligament calcification, and discuss biomechanical properties.

Methods: From September 2008 to August 2009, the X-rays of 163 cases showed nuchal ligament calcification, which datas were analyzed. There were 91 males and 72 females, the age from 38 to 68 with an average of 53.6 years. And the number of calcification segment, related vertebral level, and vertebral hyperosteogeny, intervertebral space or intervertebral foramen stenosis, anterior or posterior longitudinal ligament calcification, cervical instability in the relative segment were observed.

Results: One hundred forty-one patients occurred degeneration in the relative segment. The characteristics of X-ray: the multiple nuchal ligament calcification existed single segment and the C5,6 and C4,5 were readily occurred, which multiple related vertebral sclerotin, intervertebral space or intervertebral foramen, anterior or posterior longitudinal ligament occurred pathological changes, moreover, it was main segment of pathological changes. The X-rays of 93 cases showed vertebral hyperosteogeny 72 intervertebral space or intervertebral foramen stenosis, 49 anterior or posterior longitudinal ligament calcification, 66 cervical instability in the relative segment. The percentage was respectively 65.96%, 51.06%, 34.75%, 46.81%.

Conclusion: Cervical X-ray examination could discover characteristics of nuchal ligament calcification in the relative segment, also is helpful to diagnosis of cervical spondylosis.