Causes of Cervical myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy generally starts from degenerative changes that occur in the spine with age. A herniated disk is also a cause for Cervical myelopathy to happen, as with age disks deteriorate and build out towards the spinal canal and put pressure on the spinal cord. Any kind of injury to the neck may also lead to Cervical myelopathy.
What are the signs, symptoms, and complications of cervical myelopathy?
Generally, the symptoms of Cervical myelopathy develop gradually over some time. Some common symptoms can be:
How is the diagnosis of cervical myelopathy done?
The patient suspected of Cervical myelopathy will go through a physical examination where the doctor will check the changes in reflexes, numbness, and weakness in the arms and fingers, trouble walking if weakness in legs, etc. The doctor can also suggest an X-ray, CT scan, and MRI depending on the severity of the condition.
What are the types of cervical myelopathy?
It is mainly of two types
- Compressive Cervical Myelopathy
- Non-Compressive Cervical Myelopathy
If Cervical myelopathy is due to some compression of the spinal cord, such as Spinal tumor, Cervical Disc prolapse, Cervical Fracture, Cervical Stenosis, Chiari malformation, Basilar invagination, Atalanto-Axial dislocation, then it is called Compressive Cervical Myelopathy. If there is no visible compression seen in MRI Spine, then it is called Non-Compressive Cervical Myelopathy. Non-Compressive Cervical Myelopathy is usually due to some vitamin deficiency or metabolic or infectious disorders.
What are the cervical myelopathy treatments available?
If Cervical myelopathy causes no interference with daily activities then treatment will be nonsurgical. Pain can be treated with medications, a soft cervical collar, Physical therapy like exercise. If nonsurgical treatments do not improve the condition, especially in the Compressive Cervical Myelopathy type, then surgery is the only option, the doctor will recommend a specific surgery approach based on the patient’s situation.
What operations for Cervical Stenosis are available?
The operations commonly done are
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
- Anterior Corpectomy and Fusion with Bone Graft or Synthetic Cage
- Posterior Cervical Laminectomy
- Posterior Cervical Laminoplasty
- Posterior Cervical Facet Fusion with screws
- Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and lateral mass fixation with screws and rods
- Global fusion (Anterior plus Posterior procedure)
Dr Nitin Jagdhane is one of the best Neurosurgeon and Spine specialists for doing Minimal Invasive/ Access spine surgery and Cervical Spine Surgery in Mumbai, India. Get in touch with Dr. Nitin Jagdhane, brain and spine specialist in Mumbai, for the best results for your Cervical Myelopathy Surgery.