Cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Cervical spondylosis is a condition in which there is progressive degeneration of the intervertebral joints of the cervical spine. It is widespread throughout the adult population such that is has been estimated that on the basis of plain X-rays 50% over the age of 50 years and 75 % over the age of 65 suffer from the condition. It is indeed fortunate that only a small proportion suffer from the most serious complication of Cervical Spondylotic myelopathy (CSM); however when this occurs it can lead to devastating and crippling neurological deficit. A discussion needs to evaluate 3 main areas: aetiology and pathenogenesis, natural histoy and treatment. In order to discuss and illustrate these and other points 1 will be using material from my own series of 170 consecutive patients with CSM, and course comparing this with data from other major series.