degenerative myelopathy

Question 1

what is the Hoffmans test?

Answer 1

is a reflex test to assess for cervical myelopathy. It is performed by gently flicking one finger on a patient’s hand. A positive test results in reflex twitching of the other fingers on the same hand in response to the flick.

Question 2

what is the investigation of choice for DCM?

Answer 2

An MRI of the cervical spine is the gold standard test where cervical myelopathy is suspected. It may reveal disc degeneration and ligament hypertrophy, with accompanying cord signal change.

Question 3

what is the effective treatment?

Answer 3

decompressive surgery

Question 4

what is cervical myelopathy

Answer 4

compression of the spinal cord at the level of the cervical spine