Dynamic MRI Alters Surgical Plans, Significantly Improves Recovery in DCM

Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) arises from a combination of static anatomical narrowing and dynamic kinematic factors. While conventional static MRI is the diagnostic standard, it may miss dynamic spinal cord impingement that occurs during neck movement. Objective: To determine whether using dynamic MRI (dMRI) in preoperative evaluation alters surgical planning and improves functional outcomes in patients with DCM compared to using static MRI alone. Design: Prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial. Participants/Methods: The authors randomized 74 patients with DCM into 2 equal-sized cohorts. The control group underwent surgery based solely on conventional static MRI findings. The experimental group underwent dMRI, which included flexion and extension imaging, allowing surgeons to modify their operative plans based on the dynamic findings. The primary functional outcome was assessed using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score reco more...