The Spine Journal
Volume 6, Issue 6, Supplement , Pages S317-S322, November 2006

Decompression for cervical myelopathy

  • Brian T. Jankowitz, MD
    • ,
  • Peter C. Gerszten, MD, MPH

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Department of Neurological Surgery, Presbyterian University Hospital, Suite B-400, 200 Lothrop St., Pittsburgh, PA 15213. Tel.: (412) 647-0958; fax: (412) 647-0989.

Department of Neurological Surgery, Presbyterian University Hospital, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA

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.

Keywords: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy, Outcome assessments, Measures, Surgical decompression

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 FDA device/drug status: not applicable.Nothing of value received from a commercial entity related to this manuscript.

PII: S1529-9430(06)00219-1

doi:10.1016/j.spinee.2006.04.026

The Spine Journal
Volume 6, Issue 6, Supplement , Pages S317-S322, November 2006

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