Cervical myelopathy occurs when there is severe compression upon the spinal cord in the neck. This can cause diminished strength and sensation in the arms/legs, balance issues, or bowel/bladder dysfunctions. This is a severe medical condition that will progressively get worse if not treated with surgery.
The patient may present with weakness of arms/legs causing clumsiness and trouble walking. Also they may have problems doing simple daily activities like buttoning a shirt, turning a door knob, opening a jar, and even bowel or bladder dysfunction. Surgery can be performed to help slow the progression of symptoms.
Surgery type depends on the severity and location of the cord compression. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) or Posterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (PCDF) or both can be done to alleviate the compression off the spinal cord.
