Gait analysis for evaluating the relationship between increased signal intensity on t2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and gait function in cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine relationships between increased signal intensity (ISI) on T2-weighted cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and parameters of gait analysis in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).


METHODS
Retrospective comparative study.


METHODS
Gait analysis laboratory.


METHODS
Patients (N=36) who undertook cervical laminectomy or laminoplasty because of CSM.


METHODS
Not applicable.


METHODS
Subjects were evaluated by using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale, the Nurick scale, cervical spine MRI, and gait analysis. Two radiologists classified patients into 3 groups: intense, faint, and no ISI.


RESULTS
Relative to patients without ISI, those with ISI showed significantly slower gait speed, longer step time, decreased single-limb support time, increased double-limb support time, and limited range of motion of knee and ankle (P<.05). Increased intensity tended to correlate with poor gait function including slower gait speed, longer step time, decreased single-limb support time, and increased double-limb support time. The modified JOA and Nurick scale did not correlate with ISI.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with CSM who received surgical treatment, more intense ISI on T2-weighted MRI correlated preoperatively with increased difficulties in gait function. Gait analysis may be a useful tool for evaluating gait functions in cervical myelopathy.
Kim
Chung Reen
CR
Department of Physical Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Yoo
Jong Yoon
JY
Lee
Sang Hoon
SH
Lee
Dong Ho
DH
Rhim
Seung Chul
SC
D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D055009:Spondylosis / Q000601:surgery*