Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) results from degenerative arthritis of cervical spine giving rise to posterior spondylotic ridges or osteophytes, disc herniation, facet joint arthropathy and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy/ buckling causing cervical cord compression and
myelopathic changes.
In addition, 50% showed improvement in their spasticity and complete resolution of myelopathy in 39% in
myelopathic patients.
However, Type III KFS patients do have increased risk of developing radiculopathic or
myelopathic symptoms when compared to Type I and II patients [16].
All
myelopathic lesion tests were unremarkable when performed throughout the lower extremities bilaterally.
The age of the patient and short duration of symptoms might be other reasons that account for the lack of
myelopathic changes.
Prognosis of OPIDN depends on the age of the individual (a younger age is associated with mild neuropathy), type of OP, persistence of
myelopathic features, pyramidal involvement, degree of CNS involvement to peripheral nerve dysfunction.
These central nervous system lesions are usually associated with collateral long tract neurologic signs, visual field deficits, double vision, or
myelopathic features.
This may occur either due to iron deficiency or due to hemolytic or
myelopathic conditions [19].
At an average follow-up of 9 months,
myelopathic symptoms were improved in seven patients and not changed in two patients.
Significant relief of radicular and
myelopathic pain was achieved after radiosurgery in most cases (94%).