Which imaging feature is typical of degenerative cervical spine changes?

• A. Degenerative cervical spine changes show osteophytes and endplate sclerosis without a soft tissue mass.
• B. Degenerative changes show focal destructive lesions with soft tissue mass.
• C. Degenerative changes show acute fracture.
• D. Degenerative changes show diffuse osteolysis.

Answer: (A)

Degenerative changes in the cervical spine (spondylosis) typically show bone spur formation along the margins of the vertebral bodies (osteophytes) and sclerosis of the vertebral endplates, reflecting chronic wear and stress. These features often come with disc space narrowing and facet joint arthropathy, but they do not create a soft tissue mass. The presence of osteophytes and endplate sclerosis without a soft tissue mass is the hallmark that points to degenerative change rather than other processes. In contrast, a soft tissue mass with focal destructive lesions suggests infection or tumor, an acute fracture would reveal a fracture line or misalignment from a recent break, and diffuse osteolysis points to a destructive process like lytic metastasis or severe infection rather than typical degeneration.