Patients who have been diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) most commonly experience neck pain and stiffness as well as numbness and weakness in the arms and legs. This is caused by pressure on either the spinal cord or major nerve root. Because of these symptoms, patients may eventually need surgery. Researchers in this study looked to identify specific risk factors that may exist to determine the overall risk associated with the surgery for each patient. “Although surgery is generally safe and effective, complications still occur in 11 to 38 percent of patients,” Dr. Fehlings and coauthors write. Being able to understand certain risk factors will allow for doctors to take better care of their patients. Based on the findings from this study, the key risk factors for complications related to CSM surgery are diabetes, OPLL and a longer duration of surgery. To read more, click here.
