Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: make the difficult diagnosis, then refer for surgery.
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is the result of narrowing of the cervical spinal canal by degenerative and congenital changes. Prompt surgical treatment is key, but the diagnosis can be difficult because the signs and symptoms can vary widely and there are no pathognomonic findings.
McCormick
William E
WE
Department of Neurosurgery, The Cleveland Clinic, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
Steinmetz
Michael P
MP
Benzel
Edward C
EC
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D013123:Spinal Fusion; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery