A Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Introduction, Rationale, and Scope.

TitleA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Introduction, Rationale, and Scope.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsFehlings MG, Tetreault LA, K Riew D, Middleton JW, Wang JC
JournalGlobal Spine J
Volume7
Issue3 Suppl
Pagination21S-27S
Date Published2017 Sep
ISSN2192-5682
Abstract

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive spine disease and the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults worldwide. Patients with DCM may present with common signs and symptoms of neurological dysfunction, such as paresthesia, abnormal gait, decreased hand dexterity, hyperreflexia, increased tone, and sensory dysfunction. Clinicians across several specialties encounter patients with DCM, including primary care physicians, rehabilitation specialists, therapists, rheumatologists, neurologists, and spinal surgeons. Currently, there are no guidelines that outline how to best manage patients with mild (defined as a modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score of 15-17), moderate (mJOA = 12-14), or severe (mJOA ≤ 11) myelopathy, or nonmyelopathic patients with evidence of cord compression. This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations to specify appropriate treatment strategies for these populations. The intent of our recommendations is to (1) help identify patients at high risk of neurological deterioration, (2) define the role of nonoperative and operative management in each patient population, and (3) determine which patients are most likely to benefit from surgical intervention. The ultimate goal of these guidelines is to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity in patients with DCM by promoting standardization of care and encouraging clinicians to make evidence-informed decisions.

DOI10.1177/2192568217703088
Alternate JournalGlobal Spine J
PubMed ID29164027
PubMed Central IDPMC5684844