Imaging modalities and tests for cervical myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a progressively degenerative disease of the spine that results from compression of the spinal cord. Diagnostic imaging, in addition to a history and physical examination, is essential to diagnose CSM, to guide surgical decision making, and to identify prognostic indicators to surgical success. We discuss the modalities of imaging in common practice and examine the use of radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT/CT myelography, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and magnetization transfer imaging (MT) in the diagnostic evaluation of patients with CSM.