Cervical Spondylosis/Spondylotic Cervical Myelopathy

WHAT IS IT?

Cervical spondylosis: refers to a the progressive degeneration of the cervical vertebral bodies/intervertebral disks that can lead to the stenosis of the central spinal cord. This in turn can produce a syndrome of spinal cord dysfunction that is called spondylotic cervical myelopathy due to the muscle symptoms caused.

This condition is caused by the degeneration of the cervical vertebral bodies/disks (source)
This condition is caused by the degeneration of the cervical vertebral bodies/disks which leads to spinal canal narrowing (source)
WHAT CAUSES IT?

This is caused by old age and degeneration of the structures within the cervical spine.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

As the spinal canal is narrowed, the spinal cord will become compressed. This can lead to nerve damage/loss, which in turn causes the clinical scenario elaborated below. This is a very common cause of myelopathy in older adults and causes progressive disability/impaired quality of life.

WHAT MAKES US SUSPECT IT?

Risk factors

Old age

Initial Presentation

Common Chief Complaints:

  • Neck stiffness/pain that can radiate to the arms/hands
  • Numbness in the arms
  • Urinary incontinence 
  • Difficulty walking 

History Of Present Illness

Progressive onset of symptoms that can occur over a longer time period. The pattern of symptoms is a result of where the spinal canal is narrowing. Pain/numbness can occur in the arms and the lower extremities can become weak due to damage to the cervical spinal cord.

  • Bladder dysfunction can manifest as urgency, frequency, and/or retention.

Physical Exam Findings

Lower motor neuron findings are generally observed in the arms/hands (C5-C7 myotomes most affected):

  • Weakness
  • Atrophy
  • Decreased reflexes (biceps/triceps, radial)

Upper motor neuron findings are often detected in the lower extremities:

  • Weakness
  • Increased tone
  • Increased reflexes
  • Babinski sign 

Sensory deficits may also be present in both the arms and legs

  • In the arms this can follow a dermatomal pattern.
  • In the legs this will not follow a dermatomal pattern.

Gait disturbances can also be appreciated (due to loos of motor/sensory function in the lower extremities)

Lhermitte phenomenon may also be present in these patients.

CLINICAL WORKUP

MRI/CT imaging modalities can be used to visualize the narrowing of the central canal.

MRI showing severe spondylotic cervical myelopathy (source)
MRI showing severe spondylotic cervical myelopathy (source)
HOW DO WE RULE OTHER DIAGNOSES OUT?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is not implicated in the above workup because sensory deficits are also present.

Guillain-Barré syndrome will not present with upper motor neuron findings

Normal pressure hydrocephalus will have urinary issues and gait disturbances, but also classical presents with cognitive impairment.

HOW DO WE TREAT IT? 

Surgical decompression may be explored in patients who are symptomatic.

HOW WELL DO THE PATIENTS DO?

Prognosis is variable depending on the extent of spinal canal stenosis.

WAS THERE A WAY TO PREVENT IT? 

N/A

WHAT ELSE ARE WE WORRIED ABOUT?

Permanent neurological damage can be the result of this condition.

FURTHER READING

UpToDate

 

Page Updated: 07.24.2016