[Clinical significance of early diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy].
OBJECTIVE
To probe into the possibility of early diagnosis of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) prospectively and to screen the premorbid signs of CSM clinically, radiologically and electro-physiologically.


METHODS
Twenty-nine items related to the occurring of CSM were chosen as common characteristics of CSM and considered as the criteria of prospective study. 81 patients who met the criteria were studied. All patients were followed up and observed for 2 - 6.5 years (mean 3.7 years).


RESULTS
Twenty-nine patients showed CSM during investigation. Thirteen items of the criteria were related to the occurring of CSM. The significant items include upper limb pain and abnormal sensation limb numbness, positive dynamic Hoffmann's sign, cervical canal stenosis, lower cervical instability, cervical intervertebral disc herniation, and delay of central motor conduct time.


CONCLUSIONS
CSM can be early diagnosed. The patients who meet the established criteria should be followed up and observed closely. Early operation results in good effect.
Shi
Z
Z
Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Militay Medical University, Shanghai 200003.
Jia
L
L
Yu
K
K
Yuan
W
W
Ni
B
B
Chen
X
X
D000328:Adult; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed