Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a clinical condition caused by compression of the spinal cord due to a variety of degenerative pathologies of the cervical spine. The symptoms can be subtle and varied depending on the stage of presentation and the pattern of progress. The disease can be frequently missed because of the similarity of various other conditions in the geriatric age group and the primary physician and an orthopaedic surgeon should be aware of this entity so that a correct and early diagnosis can be made. Radiology plays an important part in identifying the cause, extent, and stage of the disease and also in deciding the surgical approach. In progressive or severe symptoms, surgery will be required and the choice of approach and the type of surgery depends upon the exact etiopathology, the extent of the disease, the degree of canal compromise, alignment and stability of the spine.