2000 Volume 49 Issue 4 Pages 1006-1010
We analysed the results of the conservative treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in 51 cases, but not for the other 24 cases operated on soon; Spinal cord with compression was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging, during the period from 1995 to 1997 when they were first seen. A number of aetiological variables were investigated to determine the factors for the change in the condition.
Overall 11 cases improved, 7 cases remained the same, and 33 cases deteriorated. In each grade of cervical myelopathy, there were more cases of deterioration than no change or improvement. No significant factor was found.
In conclusion, it was confirmed that the operative treatment was the first choice for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The data suggested that the operative time should be at the early stage of cervical myelopathy.