scholarly journals Clinical outcomes of nonoperatively managed degenerative cervical myelopathy: an ambispective longitudinal cohort study in 117 patients

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Allan R. Martin ◽  
Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan ◽  
Muhammad A. Akbar ◽  
Anna C. Rienmueller ◽  
Jetan H. Badhiwala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Grip Strength ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Stability Ratio ◽  
Gait Stability ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Anatomical Mri

OBJECTIVE Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is among the most common pathologies affecting the spinal cord but its natural history is poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate functional outcomes in patients with DCM who were managed nonoperatively as well as the utility of quantitative clinical measures and MRI to detect deterioration. METHODS Patients with newly diagnosed DCM or recurrent myelopathic symptoms after previous surgery who were initially managed nonoperatively were included. Retrospective chart reviews were performed to analyze clinical outcomes and anatomical MRI scans for worsening compression or increased signal change. Quantitative neurological assessments were collected prospectively, including modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score; Quick-DASH; graded redefined assessment of strength, sensation, and prehension–myelopathy version (GRASSP–M: motor, sensory, and dexterity); grip dynamometer; Berg balance scale score; gait stability ratio; and gait variability index. A deterioration of 10% was considered significant (e.g., a 2-point decrease in mJOA score). RESULTS A total of 117 patients were included (95 newly diagnosed, 22 recurrent myelopathy), including 74 mild, 28 moderate, and 15 severe cases. Over a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, 57% (95% CI 46%–67%) of newly diagnosed patients and 73% (95% CI 50%–88%) of patients with recurrent DCM deteriorated neurologically. Deterioration was best detected with grip strength (60%), GRASSP dexterity (60%), and gait stability ratio (50%), whereas the mJOA score had low sensitivity (33%) in 50 patients. A composite score had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 82%. The sensitivity of anatomical MRI was 28% (83 patients). CONCLUSIONS DCM appears to have a poor natural history; however, prospective studies are needed for validation. Serial assessments should include mJOA score, grip strength, dexterity, balance, and gait analysis. The absence of worsening on anatomical MRI or in mJOA scores is not sufficient to determine clinical stability.

scholarly journals Clinical outcomes of epidural and intradural decompression for treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 030006052092958
Author(s):  
Genlong Jiao ◽  
Zhizhong Li ◽  
Pan Zhou ◽  
Jinpei Yang ◽  
Xueshi Li
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Recovery Time ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Pia Mater ◽  
Improvement Rate ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

Objective This study was performed to examine the clinical outcomes of epidural and intradural decompression for degenerative cervical myelopathy. Methods The data for 13 patients who underwent epidural and intradural decompression for treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy (study group) and 20 patients who underwent only cervical laminoplasty, fusion, and epidural decompression (historical control group) were retrospectively reviewed. The preoperative and postoperative neurological status was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Results All patients’ neurological symptoms were significantly improved at the final follow-up. In the study group, the patients’ mean preoperative JOA score was 8.07 ± 1.80, and the final score improved by 70.88% ± 21.18%. The blood loss and operation time were significantly greater in the study group than control group. The recovery time was shorter in the study group than control group. The improvement rate was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions A pia mater incision with separation of the arachnoid adhesion can significantly improve the cerebrospinal fluid flow and spinal blood flow in degenerative cervical myelopathy. Arachnoid adhesion can lead to intradural spinal scar compression. The surgical intervention described herein can achieve satisfactory neurological outcomes and shorten the recovery time.

scholarly journals Change in Functional Impairment, Disability, and Quality of Life Following Operative Treatment for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 53S-69S ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael G. Fehlings ◽  
Lindsay A. Tetreault ◽  
Shekar Kurpad ◽  
Darrel S. Brodke ◽  
Jefferson R. Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Operative Treatment ◽  
Functional Impairment ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
The Impact

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: The primary objective of this systematic review was to define the change in impairment, disability, and pain following surgical intervention in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Secondary objectives included to assess the impact of preoperative disease severity and duration of symptoms on outcomes and to summarize complications associated with surgery. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify prospective studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of operative treatment in patients with DCM. Outcomes of interest were functional status, disability, pain, and complications. The quality of each study was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and the strength of the overall body of evidence was rated using guidelines outlined by the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group. Results: Of the 385 retrieved citations, 32 met inclusion criteria and are summarized in this review. Based on our results, pooled standard mean differences showed a large effect for improvement in Japanese Orthopaedic Association or modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score from baseline at short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up: 6 to 12 months (1.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.41 to 2.43), 13 to 36 months (1.40; 95% CI = 1.12 to 1.67), and ≥36 months (1.92; 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.69) (moderate evidence). Surgery also resulted in significant improvements in Nurick, Neck Disability Index, and Visual Analogue Scale scores (low to very low evidence). The cumulative incidence of complications was low (14.1%; 95% CI = 10.1% to 18.2%). Conclusion: Surgical intervention for DCM results in significant improvements in functional impairment, disability, and pain and is associated with an acceptably low rate of complications.

Predictors of Return to Normal Neurological Function After Surgery for Moderate and Severe Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: An Analysis of A Global AOSpine Cohort of Patients

Neurosurgery ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (5) ◽  
pp. E917-E923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael De la Garza Ramos ◽  
Aria Nouri ◽  
Jonathan Nakhla ◽  
Murray Echt ◽  
Yaroslav Gelfand ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Area Under The Curve ◽  
Neurological Function ◽  
International Studies ◽  
Patient Counseling ◽  
Multicenter Studies ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Walking Time

Abstract BACKGROUND Multiple studies have established the safety and efficacy of surgical intervention for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). Although the main goal of surgery is symptom stabilization, a subset of patients achieves remarkable improvements. OBJECTIVE To identify predictors of return to normal neurological function after surgery for moderate or severe DCM. METHODS This is an analysis of 2 prospective multicenter studies (the AOSpine CSM-North America and CSM-International studies) conducted between 2005 and 2011. For patients with complete preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 2-yr follow-up, characteristics were compared between those who achieved a modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score of 18 at 2 yr (no signs of myelopathy) vs controls. Only patients with baseline mJOA ≤ 14 (moderate and severe myelopathy) were included to minimize ceiling effects. RESULTS A total of 51 patients (20.3%) out of 251 with moderate or severe baseline myelopathy achieved an mJOA score of 18 at 2 yr. On stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis, T1-weighted (T1W1)-hypointensity (odds ratio [OR] 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.79; P = .03) and longer walking time on the 30-m walking test (OR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.92-0.99; P = .03) were independent predictors of outcome, with an area under the curve of 0.71 for the model. CONCLUSION In this study, T1W-hypointensity on MRI and longer walking time were found to predict a less likelihood of achieving return to normal neurological function after surgery for moderate or severe DCM. These findings may provide useful information for patient counseling and perioperative expectations.

scholarly journals Predicting the minimum clinically important difference in patients undergoing surgery for the treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. E14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Tetreault ◽  
Jefferson R. Wilson ◽  
Mark R. N. Kotter ◽  
Aria Nouri ◽  
Pierre Côté ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Risk ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Minimum Clinically Important Difference ◽  
Duration Of Symptoms ◽  
Clinically Important Difference ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Unstable Gait

OBJECTIVE The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) is defined as the minimum change in a measurement that a patient would identify as beneficial. Before undergoing surgery, patients are likely to inquire about the ultimate goals of the operation and of their chances of experiencing meaningful improvements. The objective of this study was to define significant predictors of achieving an MCID on the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale at 2 years following surgery for the treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS Seven hundred fifty-seven patients were prospectively enrolled in either the AOSpine North America or International study at 26 global sites. Fourteen patients had a perfect preoperative mJOA score of 18 and were excluded from this analysis (n = 743). Data were collected for each participating subject, including demographic information, symptomatology, medical history, causative pathology, and functional impairment. Univariate log-binominal regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between preoperative clinical factors and achieving an MCID on the mJOA scale. Modified Poisson regression using robust error variances was used to create the final multivariate model and compute the relative risk for each predictor. RESULTS The sample consisted of 463 men (62.31%) and 280 women (37.69%), with an average age of 56.48 ± 11.85 years. At 2 years following surgery, patients exhibited a mean change in functional status of 2.71 ± 2.89 points on the mJOA scale. Of the 687 patients with available follow-up data, 481 (70.01%) exhibited meaningful gains on the mJOA scale, whereas 206 (29.98%) failed to achieve an MCID. Based on univariate analysis, significant predictors of achieving the MCID on the mJOA scale were younger age; female sex; shorter duration of symptoms; nonsmoking status; a lower comorbidity score and absence of cardiovascular disease; and absence of upgoing plantar responses, lower-limb spasticity, and broad-based unstable gait. The final model included age (relative risk [RR] 0.924, p < 0.0001), smoking status (RR 0.837, p = 0.0043), broad-based unstable gait (RR 0.869, p = 0.0036), and duration of symptoms (RR 0.943, p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS In this large multinational prospective cohort, 70% of patients treated surgically for DCM exhibited a meaningful functional gain on the mJOA scale. The key predictors of achieving an MCID on the mJOA scale were younger age, shorter duration of symptoms, nonsmoking status, and lack of significant gait impairment.

scholarly journals The Natural History of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and the Rate of Hospitalization Following Spinal Cord Injury: An Updated Systematic Review

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 28S-34S ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay A. Tetreault ◽  
Spyridon Karadimas ◽  
Jefferson R. Wilson ◽  
Paul M. Arnold ◽  
Shekar Kurpad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Cochrane Collaboration ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
History Of ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

Study Method: Systematic review (update). Objective: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a degenerative spine disease and the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults worldwide. The objective of this study is to determine the natural history of DCM by updating the systematic review by Karadimas et al. The specific aims of this review were (1) to describe the natural history of DCM and (2) to determine potential risk factors of disease progression. Method: An updated search based on a previous protocol was conducted in PubMed and the Cochrane Collaboration library for studies published between November 2012 and February 15, 2015. Results: The updated search yielded 3 additional citations that met inclusion criteria and reported the incidence of spinal cord injury and severe disability in patients with DCM. Based on 2 retrospective cohort studies, the incidence rate of hospitalization for spinal cord injury is 13.9 per 1000 person-years in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and 4.8 per 1000 person-years in patients with myelopathy secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). In a third small prospective study, the risk of being wheelchair bound or bedridden was 66.7% in DCM patients with OPLL. Conclusion: The overall level of evidence for these estimated rates of hospitalization following spinal cord injury was rated as low.

scholarly journals Composite Grip Strength as a Marker of Outcome in Patients Surgically Treated for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arun John Paul ◽  
Rohit Amritanand ◽  
Prabakaran Margabandhu ◽  
Reka Karuppusami ◽  
Kenny Samuel David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

scholarly journals The Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scale: Establishing Criteria for Mild, Moderate, and Severe Disease in Patients with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. s-0036-1583086-s-0036-1583086
Author(s):  
Lindsay Tetreault ◽  
Aria Nouri ◽  
Anoushka Singh ◽  
Ronald Bartels ◽  
Branko Kopjar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

scholarly journals Provision and Perception of Physiotherapy in the Nonoperative Management of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM): A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire of People Living With DCM

2020 ◽  
pp. 219256822096135
Author(s):  
Max B. Butler ◽  
Oliver D. Mowforth ◽  
Abdul Badran ◽  
Michelle Starkey ◽  
Timothy Boerger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Myelopathy ◽  
Nonoperative Management ◽  
Japanese Orthopaedic Association ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Symptom Duration ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
International Guidelines ◽  
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

Study Design: Cross-sectional survey. Objectives: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a common syndrome of acquired spinal cord impairment caused by canal stenosis secondary to arthritic changes of the spine. International guidelines consider physiotherapy an option for mild, stable DCM; however, few studies have been conducted on nonoperative management. The objective was to determine current usage and perceptions of nonoperative physiotherapy for DCM. Methods: Persons with DCM were recruited to a web-based survey. Participants with complete responses that had not received surgery were included (n = 167). Variables included symptom duration, treatment history, current disability, and demographic characteristics. Results: Disease and demographic characteristics were equivalent between those who did and did not receive physiotherapy. In all, 19.5% of physiotherapy recipients reported subjective benefit from physiotherapy. Those perceiving benefit had significantly higher mJOA (modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association) scores, lower neck pain scores, and shorter symptom duration. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, those with mild DCM were more likely to perceive benefit than those with severe DCM, as were those with moderate DCM (to a lesser extent). Individuals whose diagnosis was delayed 1 to 2 years were less likely to perceive benefit than those that waited 0 to 6 months. Conclusions: The provision of nonoperative physiotherapy in the management of DCM is inconsistent and appears to differ from international guidelines. Few patients perceived benefit from physiotherapy; however, this was more likely in those with mild DCM and in those with shorter symptom durations. Further work is needed to establish the appropriate role of physiotherapy for this population.

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