Role of MRI in the Evaluation of Compressive Myelopathy: Assessment of the Degree of Spinal Cord Compression and Its Clinical Correlation

Abstract

Background: Compressive myelopathy refers to spinal cord compression from intrinsic or extrinsic causes and is a major contributor to quadriplegia and disability. MRI is the preferred modality for definitive evaluation. Objective: To identify causes of compressive myelopathy, assess MRI findings (degree of compression, stenosis grades, compression ratio, signal changes), and correlate them with clinical severity using the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score. Methods: Clinically suspected cases underwent MRI after clinical history and mJOA grading. Patients with MRI contraindications were excluded. Results: Degenerative disc disease was the most common cause, followed by trauma. Elderly males formed the majority (60%). A negative correlation was observed between mJOA scores and MRI findings (r = -0.03846 for stenosis, -0.21678 for compression), indicating that higher mJOA scores reflect milder disease and better prognosis. Conclusion: MRI accurately identifies the cause and extent of compressive myelopathy. The mJOA score correlates well with MRI findings and can aid in clinical diagnosis and management.

Keywords: MRI, Compressive Myelopathy, mJOA Score, Metastasis