Advances in the understanding of cervical spine deformity.

Cervical spine deformities pose substantial challenges for spine surgeons. The anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine play an important role in the decision-making process regarding treatment. The etiology of cervical deformities can be congenital, developmental, iatrogenic, degenerative, or inflammatory. Dropped head syndrome has been recently described but is poorly understood. Patients have variable presentations ranging from neck pain to an inability to maintain head position and neural compromise. Radiographic angles are important to monitor the deformity and plan the surgical correction. Treatment is focused on relieving pain, preventing and improving neurologic compromise, and improving overall spinal alignment and balance. The surgical approach and the level of fusion should be individualized on a case-by-case basis. The surgeon can greatly improve a patient's quality of life by understanding the nature of the patient's deformity and fully considering all treatment options.