Cervical Stenosis Causes and Risk Factors

Genetic and Congenital Causes

• Achondroplasia, a genetic syndrome, can cause cervical stenosis due to mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) gene, resulting in characteristic spinal anomalies, including mushroom-shaped vertebral bodies, shortened and thickened pedicles, and short interpedicular distances, which lead to foramen magnum narrowing and cervicomedullary compression 1

Acquired Degenerative Causes

• Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) can cause progressive canal narrowing, typically presenting in the fifth or sixth decade with a 2:1 male-to-female ratio 2

Biomechanical Factors

• Disproportionate spinal biomechanics in congenital cases can predispose to accelerated degenerative changes 1
• Long periods of severe stenosis can lead to demyelination of white matter and potentially irreversible neurological deficits 3, 2