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Improving Assessment of Disease Severity and Strategies for Monitoring Progression in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 4].

Improving Assessment of Disease Severity and Strategies for Monitoring Progression in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy [AO Spine RECODE-DCM Research Priority Number 4].

Authors :
Tetreault L
Garwood P
Gharooni AA
Touzet AY
Nanna-Lohkamp L
Martin A
Wilson J
Harrop JS
Guest J
Kwon BK
Milligan J
Arizala AM
Riew KD
Fehlings MG
Kotter MRN
Kalsi-Ryan S
Davies BM
Source :
Global spine journal [Global Spine J] 2022 Feb; Vol. 12 (1_suppl), pp. 64S-77S. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Dec 31.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Study Design: Narrative Review.<br />Objective: To (i) discuss why assessment and monitoring of disease progression is critical in Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM); (ii) outline the important features of an ideal assessment tool and (iii) discuss current and novel strategies for detecting subtle deterioration in DCM.<br />Methods: Literature review.<br />Results: Degenerative cervical myelopathy is an overarching term used to describe progressive injury to the cervical spinal cord by age-related changes of the spinal axis. Based on a study by Smith et al (2020), the prevalence of DCM is approximately 2.3% and is expected to rise as the global population ages. Given the global impact of this disease, it is essential to address important knowledge gaps and prioritize areas for future investigation. As part of the AO Spine RECODE-DCM (Research Objectives and Common Data Elements for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy) project, a priority setting partnership was initiated to increase research efficiency by identifying the top ten research priorities for DCM. One of the top ten priorities for future DCM research was: What assessment tools can be used to evaluate functional impairment, disability and quality of life in people with DCM? What instruments, tools or methods can be used or developed to monitor people with DCM for disease progression or improvement either before or after surgical treatment?<br />Conclusions: With the increasing prevalence of DCM, effective surveillance of this population will require both the implementation of a monitoring framework as well as the development of new assessment tools.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2192-5682
Volume :
12
Issue :
1_suppl
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Global spine journal
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
34971524
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/21925682211063854