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  • Review Article
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Degenerative cervical myelopathy — update and future directions

Abstract

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the leading cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults worldwide. DCM encompasses various acquired (age-related) and congenital pathologies related to degeneration of the cervical spinal column, including hypertrophy and/or calcification of the ligaments, intervertebral discs and osseous tissues. These pathologies narrow the spinal canal, leading to chronic spinal cord compression and disability. Owing to the ageing population, rates of DCM are increasing. Expeditious diagnosis and treatment of DCM are needed to avoid permanent disability. Over the past 10 years, advances in basic science and in translational and clinical research have improved our understanding of the pathophysiology of DCM and helped delineate evidence-based practices for diagnosis and treatment. Surgical decompression is recommended for moderate and severe DCM; the best strategy for mild myelopathy remains unclear. Next-generation quantitative microstructural MRI and neurophysiological recordings promise to enable quantification of spinal cord tissue damage and help predict clinical outcomes. Here, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based review of DCM, including its definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and differential diagnosis, and non-operative and operative management. With this Review, we aim to equip physicians across broad disciplines with the knowledge necessary to make a timely diagnosis of DCM, recognize the clinical features that influence management and identify when urgent surgical intervention is warranted.

Key points

  • Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) develops when age-related osteoarthritic or genetically based changes to the spinal column cause progressive compression of the cervical spinal cord, resulting in functional impairment.

  • DCM is the most common cause of spinal cord impairment, and the resultant burden of disability on our society is expected to grow owing to the ageing global population.

  • The pathophysiology of DCM involves static and dynamic factors that lead to chronic spinal cord compression and resultant ischaemia, inflammation and apoptosis of neurons and oligodendrocytes.

  • Diagnosis of DCM requires a careful history and physical examination to identify signs and symptoms of myelopathy and to rule out alternative diagnoses; clinical findings should be correlated with MRI findings.

  • The natural history of DCM can include a period of stable neurological status in some patients; however, a substantial number of individuals experience progressive, stepwise decline in function.

  • Current clinical practice guidelines recommend surgical decompression for patients with severe or moderate DCM and either surgery or a supervised trial of structured rehabilitation in patients with mild DCM.

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Fig. 1: Pathological changes that occur in the cervical spinal column and spinal cord in degenerative cervical myelopathy.
Fig. 2: Aetiology of traumatic central cord syndrome.
Fig. 3: The pathophysiological process of degenerative cervical myelopathy.
Fig. 4: The diagnostic work-up and treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy.
Fig. 5: Cervical spine MRI.

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Acknowledgements

M.G.F. acknowledges support from the Gerry and Tootsie Halbert Chair in Neural Repair and Regeneration and the DeZwirek Family Foundation.

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Glossary

Spondylosis

Arthritic changes related to degeneration of the discs, ligaments and/or joints of the spinal column.

Facet joints

Synovial plane joints between the articular processes of two adjacent vertebrae; also known as zygapophyseal joints.

Uncovertebral joints

Joints formed between the uncinate processes of two adjacent vertebrae.

Osteophyte

A bony outgrowth associated with arthritic degeneration.

Degenerative subluxation

The displacement of one vertebra relative to the adjacent vertebra.

Hyalinization

Arterial wall thickening characterized by a pink, glassy appearance with haematoxylin and eosin staining.

Kyphosis

An outward curvature of the spinal column, causing hunching of the back.

Lhermitte phenomenon

The passing of an electric-like shock sensation radiating from the neck down into the back, trunk and limbs.

Hoffman sign

Flexion and adduction of the thumb on flicking the fingernail of the second digit downwards.

Trömner sign

Flexion of the thumb and index finger on tapping the volar surface of the distal phalanx of the middle finger.

Fractional anisotropy

A value between 0 and 1, describing the degree to which diffusion of water is limited to one axis.

Scoliosis

An abnormal coronal curvature of the spinal column.

Cervical lordosis

An inward curvature of the spinal column.

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Badhiwala, J.H., Ahuja, C.S., Akbar, M.A. et al. Degenerative cervical myelopathy — update and future directions. Nat Rev Neurol 16, 108–124 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-019-0303-0

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