22 cases diagnosed with cervical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and operated due to myelopathy between 1990-1996 were evaluated in this study. These cases were divided into two groups as younger 60 (Group 1-10 cases) and över 60 (Group 2-12 cases) years of age. Clinical examinations and cervical MRIs were repeated'by calling the patients to control in the late period (mean 8 months). Clinical grading was performed according to Nurrick and MRI grading Nagata classification. The aging effects were investigated by comparing the two groups.
As a result, neurological presentation in elder people shows differences from the young people as a regard clinical status before the operation, prolonged period of disease and the higher affected level. The urgent surgical intervention should be performed when the findings of myelopathy are realized. This will affect the surgical outcomes in a positive manner.
Keywords: Cervical myelopathy, Age