Outcomes for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Following Implementation of the AO Spine International Guidelines: A Single-Centre Service Evaluation.

Introduction: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a syndrome of symptomatic cervical spinal cord compression due to degenerative spinal changes. Until recently there was no formal consensus on exactly which patients are suitable for surgical or conservative management. The AO Spine international guidelines were introduced to address this issue, based on the best available current evidence.

Odontoid Fractures: A Review of the Current State of the Art.

Odontoid fractures (OFs) represent up to 15% of all cervical fractures encountered and present most commonly amongst elderly patients, typically in the setting of low energy trauma such as falls. The Anderson and D'Alonzo classification and Roy-Camille subtype description are the most clinically noteworthy descriptions of OFs used. Even though most patients will not present with neurological injury, mechanical instability can occur with type II and type III (Anderson and D'Alonzo) fractures, particularly if the transverse ligament of the atlas is ruptured; however, this is very rare.

Radiological Progression of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy in a Clinically Stable Patient: Case Report.

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a common neurological condition, with disease progression that is both variable and difficult to predict. Here, we present a case of DCM in a gentleman in his late 60s with significant radiological disease progression without consequent change in clinical symptoms. The case serves as a reminder of an enduring medical aphorism that clinical history and examination should be prioritized above more complex data, such as imaging investigations.

Reliability of a Smartphone App to Objectively Monitor Performance Outcomes in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Observational Study.

Background: Developing new clinical measures for degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is an AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research, an international and multi-stakeholder partnership, priority. Difficulties in detecting DCM and its changes cause diagnostic and treatment delays in clinical settings and heightened costs in clinical trials due to elevated recruitment targets. Digital outcome measures can tackle these challenges due to their ability to measure disease remotely, repeatedly, and more economically.