Does nonoperative management play a role in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy?

Abstract

BACKGROUND CONTEXT:

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy has traditionally been managed through surgical decompression with or without reconstruction. Currently, a multicenter, blinded clinical trial that has supported such a therapeutic recommendation does not exist. There have been case-control studies that have and have not shown long-standing benefit to surgical decompression and reconstruction.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this review is to examine the efficacy of nonoperative therapy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

CONCLUSIONS:

It appears that both static and dynamic factors play a role in the pathophysiology of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Furthermore, once clinical cervical spondylotic myelopathy is evident, progression may occur despite the best of treatments, both surgical and nonsurgical.

• Authors: Paul G Matz
• Journal: The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society (Spine J) 2006 Nov-Dec Vol. 6 Issue 6 Suppl Pg. 175S-181S ISSN: 1529-9430 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17097536 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Cervical Vertebrae
• Disease Progression
• Humans
• Spinal Cord Compression (etiology, physiopathology, surgery, therapy)
• Spinal Osteophytosis (complications, physiopathology, surgery, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome