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.