The natural history and clinical presentation of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) refers to impaired function of the spinal cord caused by degenerative changes of the cervical spine resulting in spinal cord compression. It is the most common disorder in the United States causing dysfunction of the spinal cord. A literature review of the natural history of mild cervical myelopathy is undertaken. Clinical presentation and current concepts of pathophysiology are also discussed. While many patients with mild signs of CSM will stabilize or improve over time with conservative treatment, the clinical course of a specific individual patient cannot be predicted. Asymptomatic patients with cervical stenosis and abnormalities on electrophysiologic studies may be at higher risk for developing myelopathy.

Publication Date

1-1-2012

Publication Title

Advances in orthopedics

E-ISSN

2090-3472

Volume

2012

First Page

480643

PubMed ID

22235378

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1155/2012/480643

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