The Incidence, Changes and Treatments of Cervical Deformity After Infection and Inflammation

A healthy cervical spine with normal movement is the basis of many daily activities and is essential for maintaining a good quality of life. However, the alignment, fusion, and structure of the cervical spine can change for various reasons, leading to cervical deformity, mainly kyphosis. Approximately 5%‒20% of spinal infections in the cervical spine cause cervical deformity. The deformity can recover early; however, the disease's long-term existence or the continuous action of abnormal stress may lead to intervertebral fusion and abnormal osteophytes. Many gaps and controversies exist regarding infectious cervical deformities, including a lack of clear definitions and an acceptable classification system thereby requiring further research. Moreover, there is no consensus on the indications for postinfectious cervical deformity associated with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Brucellosis. Therefore, we reviewed and discussed the incidence, clinical manifestations, changes, and treatment of infectious and inflammatory secondary cervical deformities from common to rare to provide a theoretical basis for clinical decision-making.