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Symptoms are often debilitating and progressive, typically resulting in permanent disability and poor quality of life. Similar content being viewed by othersĭegenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is an umbrella term for symptomatic spinal cord compression, secondary to degenerative changes of the cervical spine. Further research is needed to define best practice and support patient care. However, what this constitutes varies widely. Professionals typically offer outpatient follow up for patients with mild DCM and/or asymptomatic ASCC. Finally, there were some contradictory definitions of mild DCM provided in the form of free text. Practice for ASCC aligned closely with mild DCM. There was some inconsistency regarding which clinical features would cause a surgeon to counsel a patient towards surgery. Follow-up included a heterogeneous mix of investigations, most often at 6-month intervals (32.9%, n = 158). For mild DCM, standardised follow-up for non-operative patients was reported by 488 respondents (69.5%). Half (50.1%, n = 359) had greater than 10 years of professional experience with DCM. Every world region was represented in the responses. ResultsĪ total of 699 respondents, mostly surgeons, completed the survey. Further questions assessed the definition and management of mild DCM, and the management of ASCC. Questions captured experience with DCM, frequency of DCM patient encounters, and standard of practice in the assessment of DCM. Spinal surgeons and some additional health professionals completed a web-based survey distributed by email to members of AO Spine and the Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) North American Society. The objectives of this study were to assess current practice and to quantify the variability in clinical practice. Currently there is limited evidence and guidance on the management of mild degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and asymptomatic spinal cord compression (ASCC).Īnecdotal evidence suggest variance in clinical practice.