Neurospine.  2019 Sep;16(3):494-505. 10.14245/ns.1938314.157.

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: a Review of the Latest Advances and Future Directions in Management

Affiliations
  • 1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. michael.fehlings@uhn.ca
  • 2Spinal Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Abstract

The assessment, diagnosis, operative and nonoperative management of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) have evolved rapidly over the last 20 years. A clearer understanding of the pathobiology of DCM has led to attempts to develop objective measurements of the severity of myelopathy, including technology such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, biomarkers, and ancillary clinical testing. New pharmacological treatments have the potential to alter the course of surgical outcomes, and greater innovation in surgical techniques have made surgery safer, more effective and less invasive. Future developments for the treatment of DCM will seek to improve the diagnostic accuracy of imaging, improve the objectivity of clinical assessment, and increase the use of surgical technology to ensure the best outcome is achieved for each individual patient.

Keyword

Degenerative cervical myelopathy; Magnetic resonance imaging; Biomarkers; Surgery

MeSH Terms

Biomarkers
Diagnosis
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Spinal Cord Diseases*
Biomarkers
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