Decompression for cervical myelopathy

Abstract

Background context: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine. Surgical decompression is considered the gold standard of treatment, yet multiple published studies failed to yield consistent clinical results. Properly designed clinical outcomes studies using physiological, functional, and self-reported measures have the ability to define the best intervention for this disease entity. Many validated outcomes measures for cervical spondylotic myelopathy already exist, ranging from the disease-specific Nurick grading scale to the generalized Short Form 36-item (SF-36) questionnaire. Purpose: To review the literature concerning outcome measurements for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Conclusion: Future research must consistently use a broad array of outcome assessments to elucidate the correct utilization of surgical decompression for this disease entity. © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.