cervicothoracic

Cervicothoracic refers to the region where the cervical spine meets the thoracic spine, most commonly the cervicothoracic junction between the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) and the first thoracic vertebra (T1). The term may also describe adjacent tissues, including the C7-T1 disc and nearby facet joints and nerve roots.

Anatomically, the cervicothoracic junction marks a transition from the flexible lordosis of the cervical spine to the relatively rigid kyphosis of the thoracic spine. It lies near the thoracic inlet, where the first rib articulates with T1. Vertebral body size, pedicle orientation, and facet joint anatomy change at this level, affecting motion and load transfer. The exiting nerve roots include the C8 and T1 roots around this junction.

Clinically, the region can be involved by degenerative disease, disc herniation, foraminal stenosis, trauma, or instability. C7-T1 disc pathology can cause radiculopathy in the lower cervical or upper limb distribution, sometimes with weakness or numbness in the ulnar nerve territory. Myelopathy is less common but possible with compression of the spinal cord at this level.

Imaging typically starts with radiographs, followed by MRI for soft tissue and neural elements and CT for detailed bone anatomy. Treatment ranges from conservative measures for mild symptoms to surgical stabilization or decompression for persistent or progressive neurologic compromise; approaches may be anterior (discectomy and fusion at C7-T1) or posterior fusion with instrumentation, depending on pathology and stability.