Guidelines for the Management of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and Spinal Cord Injury: An Introduction to a Focus Issue

This focus issue presents guidelines for managing patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and spinal cord injury (SCI). It addresses management strategies for varying severities of DCM and several key aspects of SCI management. Systematic reviews were conducted to synthesize evidence, and a multidisciplinary group developed guidelines using the GRADE methodology, considering evidence, feasibility, and stakeholder perspectives. The guidelines aim to assist clinicians in decision-making by combining available evidence, expert opinions, and patient values, with the expectation that further research will refine these guidelines.

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  The guidelines address management strategies for patients with mild, moderate, and severe DCM.
• 2
  The guidelines cover timing of surgical decompression, the use of methylprednisolone, anticoagulation strategies, MRI's role, and rehabilitation in SCI patients.
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  The guideline development process involved a spectrum of stakeholders and therefore reflects perspectives of not just surgeons but also primary care physicians, neurologists, rheumatologists, rehabilitation specialists, and patients.