PURPOSE: Gait impairment is an important feature of cervical sponydylotic myelopathy (CSM) as it can have a detrimental effect on function and quality of life. The aim of this study was to measure changes in gait in people with CSM following surgical decompression. METHODS: Thirteen participants with clinical and radiological evidence of CSM underwent three-dimensional gait analysis, using a full lower limb kinematic, kinetic and electromyography protocol, before and 12 months after decompressive surgery. RESULTS: No significant post-operative changes were detected in temporal-spatial or kinematic parameters. Kinetic data showed significant improvements in knee power absorption [mean improvement, 0.42 watts per kilogram (W/kg)], ankle plantarflexor moment (0.1 Nm/kg) and ankle power generation (0.55 W/kg). Electromyography showed a 4.7 % increase in tibialis anterior activation time. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that improvement in locomotor function can be achieved after surgery. Future studies should explore the potential for further recovery of gait through targeted neuro-rehabilitation.
PURPOSE: Gait impairment is an important feature of cervical sponydylotic myelopathy (CSM) as it can have a detrimental effect on function and quality of life. The aim of this study was to measure changes in gait in people with CSM following surgical decompression. METHODS: Thirteen participants with clinical and radiological evidence of CSM underwent three-dimensional gait analysis, using a full lower limb kinematic, kinetic and electromyography protocol, before and 12 months after decompressive surgery. RESULTS: No significant post-operative changes were detected in temporal-spatial or kinematic parameters. Kinetic data showed significant improvements in knee power absorption [mean improvement, 0.42 watts per kilogram (W/kg)], ankle plantarflexor moment (0.1 Nm/kg) and ankle power generation (0.55 W/kg). Electromyography showed a 4.7 % increase in tibialis anterior activation time. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that improvement in locomotor function can be achieved after surgery. Future studies should explore the potential for further recovery of gait through targeted neuro-rehabilitation.
Authors: Julio C Furlan; Sukhvinder Kalsi-Ryan; Ahilan Kailaya-Vasan; Eric M Massicotte; Michael G Fehlings Journal: J Neurosurg Spine Date: 2011-01-14
Authors: Kingsley O Abode-Iyamah; Stephanus V Viljoen; Colleen L McHenry; Michael A Petrie; Kirsten E Stoner; Nader S Dahdaleh; Nicole M Grosland; Matthew A Howard; Richard K Shields Journal: Neurosurgery Date: 2016-11 Impact factor: 4.654