Imaging Modalities Used in the Workup of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with Their Respective Utility and Associated Cost
| Imaging Modality | Utility | †Cost |
|---|---|---|
| *Magnetic resonance imaging | Visualize intervertebral discs, ligaments, and surrounding soft tissues; obtain transverse area of spinal cord; determine severity of cord compression and degeneration; diagnose CCSS | Mean operating expense: $165 Mean charge per procedure: $2048 |
| Radiographs | Determine lordosis/kyphosis; calculate Torg-Pavlov ratio; evaluate spinal column alignment, ROM, and flexion/extension | Mean operating expense: $55 Mean charge per procedure: $410 |
| Computed tomography (± myelography) | Diagnose OPLL; assess transverse foramen for vertebral artery compression; evaluate cervical cord compression; obtain transverse area of spinal cord; perform CT-myelogram in patients with contraindication to MRI | Mean operating expense: $51 Mean charge per procedure: $1565 |
| Electrophysiology | Assess peripheral neurologic functionality; rule out other neurologic diseases | Mean operating expense: varies Mean charge per procedure: varies |