What is the typical radiographic appearance of cervical spondylosis?

• A. Normal radiographs
• B. Multilevel disc space narrowing with osteophyte formation and facet arthropathy
• C. Disc space narrowing at every level with no osteophytes
• D. Osteophyte formation with facet arthropathy and no disc space narrowing

Answer: (D)

On plain radiographs, cervical spondylosis is typically seen as osteophyte formation along the margins of the vertebral bodies with facet joint arthropathy, reflecting degenerative changes in the spine. Disc space narrowing may be minimal or absent on X-ray, especially in earlier disease, so the classic film shows bony osteophytes and facet changes rather than universal disc collapse. This pattern is more characteristic than a normal film, multilevel disc space narrowing with osteophytes, or disc space narrowing at every level without osteophytes, because osteophyte formation and facet arthropathy are the hallmark radiographic features of cervical spondylosis.