European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society
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Multicenter Study
Risk factors for a poor outcome following surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic amyotrophy: a multicenter study.
Cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) is characterized by muscle atrophy in the upper extremities without gait disturbance. However, the indications and outcomes of surgical treatment for CSA have not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors for a poor outcome following surgical treatment of CSA. ⋯ Early surgery is recommended for CSA patients in whom conservative treatment has not been successful. We also recommend surgery for patients who have severe preoperative muscle weakness or have the distal type of CSA.