중장년층 경부 및 어깨 통증 환자에서 목뼈 정렬과 견관절 형태의 통합 방사선학적 분석

Integrated Radiographic Parameters of Cervical Alignment and Shoulder Morphology in Middle-Aged Patients with Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain, and Combined Neck-Shoulder Pain

Background Cervical and shoulder girdle alignment are functionally interconnected, particularly in middle-aged individuals with chronic neck and shoulder pain. Objectives This study aimed to compare radiographic alignment indicators among neck pain, shoulder pain, and combined pain groups to identify region-specific alignment patterns. Methods Thirty-eight patients aged 45-64 years were retrospectively analyzed using lateral cervical and bilateral shoulder radiographs. Atlas plane angle, (ATA), C2 slope, scapulothoracic angle (STA), and acromioclavicular distance (AC distance) were measured and compared among groups using one-way ANOVA. Results The neck pain group showed a significantly larger STA compared to the other groups (p = 0.006), while the combined pain group exhibited the lowest C2 slope (p = 0.036). The shoulder pain group demonstrated a decreased STA (p = 0.021) and increased AC distance compared to others (p < 0.001). Conclusions Distinct alignment characteristics were identified according to pain distribution, highlighting the interdependence of cervical and scapular alignment in neck-shoulder complex pain.