Cervical Spondylosis

Note this can cause myelopathy and radiculopathy

Synonyms:

a.k.a. osteoarthropathy of the cervical spine

Diagnosis:

Imaging confirms the presence of degenerative changes but doesn’t confirm that it is the cause of radiculopathy or myelopathy
X-ray spine:

  • Osteophytes, narrowed disk spaces, narrowed framina
  • This confirms the presence of degenerative changes but doesn’t confirm that it is the cause of radiculopathy or myelopathy

MRI:

  • spondylotic changes in the spine, compression of the spinal cord, T2 increased signal in spinal cord,

EMG:

  • Normal sensory because the lesion is proximal to the dorsal root ganglion
  • May show axonal pattern
  • F waves may help

CT myelography: for myelopathy

Treatment:

Consider:

  • Cervical collar

Consider Surgery if myelopathy or if motor radiculopathy are present

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