OrthoNet

Cervical syndromes
Cervical Spondylosis - Cord Compression Syndromes

There are a number of myelopathic syndromes

1. Transverse Lesion Syndrome
- most common
- little upper extremity involvement
- posterior column, spinothalamic, corticospinal tracts are predominantly involved to lower extremities

2. Motor System Syndrome
- bears a strong resemblance to ALS
- corticospinal and anterior horn cell dysfunction
- patient may have no sensory complaints, but motor function may be severely affected

3. Central Cord
- upper extremity worse than lower
- hand function affected the most has a poor prognosis

4. Brown Sequard
- unilateral cord compression - ipsilateral motor, contralateral pain and temp loss
- good prognosis

- correlating canal size and degree of myelopathy is difficult; the most important good prognostic factor may be minimal involvement; other favorable factors include symptoms