Cervical myelopathy.

What are the causes of cervical myelopathy? Myelopathy is caused by any pathologic process that interferes with transmission of signals through the spinal cord. In regard to orthopedic surgery, the most common cause of this disease is due to cervical degenerative disc disease putting pressure on the spinal cord in a condition referred to a cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The remaining references to cervical myelopathy in this interview will refer to this condition. More specific pathologies include disk bulging, herniations, osteophytes, facet hypertrophy, or thickening of the ligamentum flavum. Congenital narrowing of the spinal canal, dynamic changes due to hypermobility, and spinal deformity may also contribute to the disease.