Surgical Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common cause of neurologic impairment in adults worldwide. Numerous studies have investigated the pathophysiology of CSM, which has provided surgeons with insight on the important factors that lead to the symptoms and deficits observed in patients who have CSM. However, further analysis of many unknown aspects of CSM is required to fully understand the disease and potential alternative treatment modalities. The diagnosis of CSM is based on a patient's history and physical examination and then confirmed with imaging studies. Progression, symptomatology, and imaging findings may vary by patient. Because of the variability of CSM, the disease course and a patient's response to treatment are difficult to predict. CSM can be managed either nonsurgically or it can be managed surgically via posterior or anterior cervical approaches, each of which has its own indications and possible complications.