Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

05:17
Percutaneous Endoscopic Unilateral-Approach Bilateral Decompression for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Published on: February 9, 2024
[Spinal stenosis: diagnosis and treatment]
Antonio Faundez1, Stéphane Genevay
1Service de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologie de I'appareil moteur, HUG, Genéve. antonio.faundez@hcuge.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|August 10, 2012
Summary
Spondylotic cervical myelopathy (SCM) is spinal canal narrowing from cervical spine degeneration. Early signs include gait disturbance, with surgery considered for functional impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
Context:
- Degenerative changes in the cervical spine lead to spinal canal narrowing.
- This narrowing can manifest as a spectrum of clinical symptoms, from mild neck pain to severe myelopathy.
- Spondylotic cervical myelopathy (SCM) is a condition resulting from age-related wear and tear on the neck's spinal structures.
Purpose:
- To describe the clinical presentation and progression of Spondylotic cervical myelopathy.
- To correlate radiologic findings with clinical severity.
- To outline the indications for surgical intervention in SCM.
Summary:
- SCM results from cervical spine degeneration causing spinal canal narrowing.
- Clinical manifestations range from posterior medullary tract dysfunction (e.g., gait disturbance) to lower motor neuron signs and incontinence.
- Surgical intervention is guided by the degree of functional impairment and imaging results.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of recognizing early SCM symptoms for timely intervention.
- Provides a framework for evaluating SCM severity and guiding treatment decisions.
- Emphasizes the link between degenerative changes and neurological deficits in the cervical spine.
