Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2022

Comments

This article is the author’s final published version in Global Spine Journal, Volume 12, Issue 1, February 2022, Pages 147S - 158S.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682211062494. Copyright © Rodrigues-Pinto et al.

Abstract

Study design: Literature Review (Narrative).

Objective: To introduce the number 10 research priority for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Individualizing Surgery.

Methods: This article summarizes the current recommendations and indications for surgery, including how known prognostic factors such as injury time, age, disease severity, and associated comorbidities impact surgical outcome. It also considers key areas of uncertainty that should be the focus of future research.

Results: While a small proportion of conservatively managed patients may remain stable, the majority will deteriorate over time. To date, surgical decompression is the mainstay of treatment, able to halt disease progression and improve neurologic function and quality of life for most patients. Whilst this recognition has led to recommendations on when to offer surgery, there remain many uncertainties including the type of surgery, or timing in milder and/or asymptomatic cases. Their clarification has the potential to transform outcomes, by ensuring surgery offers each individual its maximum benefit.

Conclusion: Developing the evidence to better guide surgical decision-making at the individual patient level is a research priority for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

PubMed ID

35174733

Language

English

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