Establishing Diagnostic Criteria for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 3].
Publication/Presentation Date
2-1-2022
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review.
OBJECTIVES: To discuss the importance of establishing diagnostic criteria in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM), including factors that must be taken into account and challenges that must be overcome in this process.
METHODS: Literature review summarising current evidence of establishing diagnostic criteria for DCM.
RESULTS: Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is characterised by a degenerative process of the cervical spine resulting in chronic spinal cord dysfunction and subsequent neurological disability. Diagnostic delays lead to progressive neurological decline with associated reduction in quality of life for patients. Surgical decompression may halt neurologic worsening and, in many cases, improves function. Therefore, making a prompt diagnosis of DCM in order to facilitate early surgical intervention is a clinical priority in DCM.
CONCLUSION: There are often extensive delays in the diagnosis of DCM. Presently, no single set of diagnostic criteria exists for DCM, making it challenging for clinicians to make the diagnosis. Earlier diagnosis and subsequent specialist referral could lead to improved patient outcomes using existing treatment modalities.
Volume
12
Issue
1_suppl
First Page
55
Last Page
55
ISSN
2192-5682
Published In/Presented At
Hilton, B., Gardner, E. L., Jiang, Z., Tetreault, L., Wilson, J. R. F., Zipser, C. M., Riew, K. D., Guest, J. D., Harrop, J. S., Fehlings, M. G., Rodrigues-Pinto, R., Rahimi-Movaghar, V., Aarabi, B., Koljonen, P. A., Kotter, M. R. N., Davies, B. M., & Kwon, B. K. (2022). Establishing Diagnostic Criteria for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 3]. Global spine journal, 12(1_suppl), 55S–63S. https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682211030871
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
35174729
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article