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

Study Design: Introduction to a guidelines project.

Objectives: The objective of this focus issue is to present guidelines that outline how to best manage patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Topics addressed in this focus issue include: 1) management strategies for patients with mild, moderate and severe DCM; and 2a) timing of surgical decompression; b) the use of methylprednisolone sodium succinate; c) the type and timing of anticoagulation strategies; d) the role of magnetic resonance imaging in clinical decision making and outcome prediction; and e) the type and timing of rehabilitation in patients with SCI.

Methods: Systematic reviews were conducted to address key clinical questions and to synthesize the current body of evidence. A multidisciplinary guideline development group used the results of these reviews, along with their clinical expertise, to develop clinical practice guidelines, in a process that adhered to methodology proposed by the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group.

Results: The multidisciplinary guideline development group combined the systematic review findings with their clinical expertise and opinions to formulate recommendations on how to manage patients with DCM and SCI.

Conclusions: These guidelines will serve as tools to assist clinicians in their decision making by offering a perspective that combines the available evidence, expertise from a variety of clinicians, and patient values.