A Novel Surgical Criteria for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy in Chinese Ethnicity

Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is a prevalent degenerative spinal disease that often goes unnoticed by general clinicians due to its non-specific and subtle signs and symptoms in its early stages. Delayed identification of DCM may lead to poor surgical outcomes or permanent disability, impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. Incoordination in hand and gait movements are early signs of DCM that worsen with disease progression. Despite validated performance tests for DCM, there is currently no objective criterion for functional deficits in aiding clinical decision-making for surgery or diagnosis. To meet the pressing global need for objective functional criteria, this study aims to develop surgical criteria specific to DCM. This will involve using physical performance tests, in addition to evaluating MRI findings of cord compression, clinical signs, and the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA). By expediting the surgical decision-making process, we hope to improve recovery outcomes for individuals with DCM worldwide