Prevalence of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: a door-to-door survey in a Sicilian municipality.

INTRODUCTION

Because of the limited information on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, we conducted a door-to-door two-phase survey in a Sicilian municipality.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We first screened for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy among the inhabitants of the municipality: (N = 7653, as of the prevalence day, November 1, 1987). Study neurologists then investigated those subjects suspected to have had a cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Diagnoses were bases on specified criteria.

RESULTS

We found 27 subjects affected by CSR (17 definite, 10 possible). Prevalence (cases per 1000 population) was 3.5 in the total population; it increased to a peak at age 50-59 years, and decreased thereafter. The age-specific prevalence was consistently higher in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparison with other prevalence studies shows similar age-specific patterns, but different magnitudes, which may partly reflect methodologic differences across studies.