A spinal cord disorder where there is a demyelination of the lateral columns with degeneration of the anterior parts of the posterior columns and destruction of the central grey matter

Clinically:

Patients may present with a variety of symptoms including neck pain, upper limb pain, gait disturbances, weakness, sensory changes etcUrgency of micturition is a classical feature of cord pathology

Treatment:

Decompression is requiredMotor and sensory deficits may or may not be fixedAnterior or posterior approach used as appropriate for the pathologyAnterior decompression suitable for up to 3 vertebral levels, after that better off to approach from the back