Does Dynamic Supine Magnetic Resonance Imaging Improve the Diagnostic Accuracy of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy? A Review of the Current Evidence

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to critically analyze the current evidence regarding the role of dynamic supine magnetic resonance imaging (dsMRI) in the evaluation of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: Thirteen studies were identified through a comprehensive literature search performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, and ISI databases as fulfilling the inclusion criteria and were reviewed for subject characteristics, radiographic parameters, and salient findings. RESULTS: Studies herein reviewed suggested that dsMRI was able to detect new appearance or increased grade of medullary compression in >= 20% of patients and to demonstrate an average narrowing of the cervical canal by 20% ( in comparison with the neutral position). Several additional parameters were investigated, but their clinical significance remained unconfirmed. Two studies examined how surgical decision-making could be affected by the additional findings of dsMRI. CONCLUSIONS: dsMRI represents an available modification of conventional static magnetic resonance imaging and is potentially able to demonstrate pathologies that might be previously missed. Evidence suggests that dsMRI can elucidate spinal cord compression with higher sensitivity, resulting in improved diagnostic accuracy of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, which may impact surgical planning for these patients. However, more high-quality studies are required to further establish its indications to avoid overdiagnosis with this powerful imaging technique and to justify its cost-effectiveness.Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission [Z161100000116096]SCI(E)REVIEW474-47910