Diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy

Cervical spine disorders frequently require evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon. With sufficient understanding of the pathophysiology, natural history, differential diagnosis, presenting signs and symptoms, and roentgenographic appearance, as well as the nonoperative and operative treatment options of radiculopathy and myelopathy, the treating surgeon can guide the majority of patients to an early return to functional activities. This paper briefly reviews the aforementioned requisites for successful management of cervical degenerative disorders.