Clinical Correlation and MRT Findings in the Cervical Degenerative Diseases

The multifactorial character of cervical spondylotic myelopathy indicates a probable onset and progression of this disease as well as a diversity of clinical manifestations.

Patients admitted with the clinical symptomatology of a progressive myelopathy associated with radiologic findings compatible with spondylotic degeneration of the cervical spine and who manifest appropriate neurophysiological abnormalities should be considered as candidates for surgical treatment. For several decades, both anterior and posterior spinal decompressive procedures have been performed who are generally being informed before the operation that the aim of surgery is to stabilize their neurologic condition and that actual improvement often cannot be expected.

A retrospective analysis of 42 patients admitted to the Dongdaemoon hospital utilizing MRI, CT in small amount to make diagnosis and surgical indication of degenerative cervical spine lesions was undertaken. Almost all patents were taken T1 Weighted Image(T1W1),T2 Weighted Image(T2W1) and gradient echo image on 1.5 Tesla unit. All patients could be evaluated the extent and degrees of disc hemiation, osteophytes and cord compression.

A focal area of High-Signal-Intensity(HSI) was observed on T2W1 in 15 patients with myelopathy predominantly. HSI was diminished postoperatively in the patients who improved clinically , remained and unchanged who didn't improve.

In this study, MRI with high resolution images I the initial procedure of choice of degenerative cervical spine lesion was important on the decision making of the patients, Furthermore hight signal of the spinal cord by the compressive lesions appear to be an important indicator for predicting prognosis of patients with myelopathy.