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Degenerative cervical myelopathy: Where have we been? Where are we now? Where are we going?

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Abstract

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM), a recently coined term, encompasses a group of age-related and genetically associated pathologies that affect the cervical spine, including cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Given the significant contribution of DCM to global disease and disability, there are worldwide efforts to promote research and innovation in this area. An AO Spine effort termed ‘RECODE-DCM’ was initiated to create an international multistakeholder consensus group, involving patients, caregivers, physicians and researchers, to focus on launching actionable discourse on DCM. In order to improve the management, treatment and results for DCM, the RECODE-DCM consensus group recently identified ten priority areas for translational research. The current article summarizes recent advancements in the field of DCM. We first discuss the comprehensive definition recently refined by the RECODE-DCM group, including steps taken to arrive at this definition and the supporting rationale. We then provide an overview of the recent advancements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of DCM and modalities to clinically assess and diagnose DCM. A focus will be set on advanced imaging techniques that may offer the opportunity to improve characterization and diagnosis of DCM. A summary of treatment modalities, including surgical and nonoperative options, is then provided along with future neuroprotective and neuroregenerative strategies. This review concludes with final remarks pertaining to the genetics involved in DCM and the opportunity to leverage this knowledge toward a personalized medicine approach.

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Funding

NH is supported by the Research Fund of the University of Basel for Excellent Junior Researchers. MGF is supported by the Robert Campeau Family Foundation/Dr. C.H. Tator Chair in Brain and Spinal Cord Research at UHN.

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  1. Nader Hejrati and Karlo Pedro equally contributed to this paper.

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  1. Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, 399 Bathurst Street, Suite 4WW-449, Toronto, ON, M5T 2S8, Canada

    Nader Hejrati & Michael G. Fehlings

  2. Division of Neurosurgery and Spine Program, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Nader Hejrati, Karlo Pedro & Michael G. Fehlings

  3. Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada

    Mohammed Ali Alvi, Ayesha Quddusi & Michael G. Fehlings

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Hejrati, N., Pedro, K., Alvi, M.A. et al. Degenerative cervical myelopathy: Where have we been? Where are we now? Where are we going?. Acta Neurochir 165, 1105–1119 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00701-023-05558-x

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