Exploratory Cluster-Based Radiographic Phenotyping of Degenerative Cervical Disorder: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a major subtype of degenerative cervical disorders, presents with diverse sagittal alignment patterns. However, radiography-based phenotyping remains underexplored. This study aimed to identify distinct cervical alignment subgroups using unsupervised clustering analysis and to explore their potential clinical relevance. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 1371 lateral cervical radiographs of patients with DCM. C3-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lordosis, vertical length, and curved length were determined. K-means clustering was applied, and the optimal cluster number was determined using the elbow method and silhouette analysis. Clustering validity was assessed using the Calinski-Harabasz and Davies-Bouldin indices. Results: The final clustering solution was validated with a high Calinski-Harabasz index (1171.70) and an acceptable Davies-Bouldin index (0.99) at k = 3, confirming the stability and robustness of the classification. Cluster 1 (forward-head type) exhibited low lordosis (8.3 degrees +/- 4.7 degrees), moderate SVA (95.9 +/- 60.2 mm), and a compact cervical structure, consistent with kyphotic alignment and forward-head displacement. Cluster 2 (normal) showed the highest lordosis (24.1 degrees +/- 6.8 degrees), moderate SVA (70.6 +/- 50.2 mm), and balanced sagittal alignment, indicating a biomechanically stable cervical posture. Cluster 3 (long-neck type) displayed the highest SVA (135.6 +/- 76.7 mm), the longest vertical and curved lengths, and moderate lordosis, suggesting a structurally elongated cervical spine with anterior head displacement. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were observed across all clusters, confirming distinct phenotypic patterns in cervical sagittal alignment. Conclusions: This exploratory clustering analysis identified three distinct radiographic phenotypes of DCM, reflecting biomechanical heterogeneity. Although prospective studies linking these phenotypes to clinical outcomes are warranted, our findings provide a framework for personalized spinal care in the future.