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Sleep apnea and cervical spine pathology

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European Spine Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Sleep apnea is a multi-factorial disease with a variety of identified causes. With its close proximity to the upper airway, the cervical spine and its associated pathologies can produce sleep apnea symptoms in select populations. The aim of this article was to summarize the literature discussing how cervical spine pathologies may cause sleep apnea.

Methods

A search of the PubMed database for English-language literature concerning the cervical spine and its relationship with sleep apnea was conducted. Seventeen published papers were selected and reviewed.

Results

Single-lesion pathologies of the cervical spine causing sleep apnea include osteochondromas, osteophytes, and other rare pathologies. Multifocal lesions include rheumatoid arthritis of the cervical spine and endogenous cervical fusions. Furthermore, occipital–cervical misalignment pre- and post-cervical fusion surgery may predispose patients to sleep apnea.

Conclusions

Pathologies of the cervical spine present significant additional etiologies for producing obstructive sleep apnea in select patient populations. Knowledge of these entities and their pathophysiologic mechanisms is informative for the clinician in diagnosing and managing sleep apnea in certain populations.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Holly Wagner for her editorial assistance in preparing this manuscript.

Conflict of interest

Paul Park is a consultant for Globus Medical and Medtronic and receives royalties from Globus Medical. Frank La Marca is a consultant for Biomet and Globus Medical and receives royalties from Stryker and Globus Medical.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Adam Khan

  2. Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Room 3552 TC, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5338, USA

    Khoi D. Than, Kevin S. Chen, Anthony C. Wang, Frank La Marca & Paul Park

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  1. Adam Khan
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  2. Khoi D. Than
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  3. Kevin S. Chen
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  4. Anthony C. Wang
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Correspondence to Paul Park.

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Khan, A., Than, K.D., Chen, K.S. et al. Sleep apnea and cervical spine pathology. Eur Spine J 23, 641–647 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-3046-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-3046-4

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