Detection of Cervical Myelopathy
This upper motor neuron sign is tested by flicking the distal phalanx of the middle finger and watching for thumb/index finger flexion
What is the Hoffman sign?
This imaging study is considered the gold standard for evaluating spinal cord compression in cervical myelopathy
What is an MRI of the cervical spine?
After many cervical spine surgeries, patients are instructed to avoid lifting objects heavier than this common household item
What is a gallon of milk?
This type of exercise program is important after discharge to maintain strength, balance, and mobility gains
What is a home exercise program?
Patients with cervical myelopathy commonly present with this gait pattern characterized by stiffness, imbalance, and reduced coordination.
What is a spastic gait?
This symptom progression pattern should raise concern for worsening cervical myelopathy and prompt urgent evaluation
What is progressive weakness or gait decline?
Patients are often instructed to avoid excessive bending, lifting, and this spinal movement after surgery.
What is twisting?
Because cervical myelopathy patients may remain at risk for imbalance, therapists commonly emphasize this safety strategy at home.
What is fall prevention?
Hand clumsiness, dropping objects, and difficulty buttoning shirts are examples of impairment in this motor domain
What are fine motor skills?
This bladder symptom may indicate severe spinal cord involvement requiring urgent surgical evaluation.
What is urinary retention or incontinence?
This assistive device may be prescribed after cervical fusion surgery to limit neck motion and support healing.
What is a cervical collar?
Follow-up with this specialist is important after surgery to monitor neurologic recovery and hardware stability.
Who is a spine surgeon or neurosurgeon?
Hyperreflexia, clonus, and Babinski signs are examples of __
What are upper motor neuron signs?
This MRI finding, characterized by increased signal intensity within the spinal cord on T2-weighted imaging, may correlate with chronic cord injury and poorer prognosis in cervical myelopathy
What is cord signal change or myelomalacia?
Following cervical fusion surgery, nicotine use is strongly discouraged because it increases the risk of this complication involving failed bone healing
What is pseudoarthrosis or nonunion?
Persistent numbness, weakness, worsening gait, or new bowel/bladder symptoms after rehab should prompt this next step.
What is urgent medical evaluation?