Table 5.

AOSpine North America and Cervical Spine Research Society Guidelines for Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Based on Japanese Orthopaedic Association Severity

ClassificationJOA ScoreRecommendationStrength of RecommendationQuality of Evidence
Mild CSM15 to 17Offer surgery or trial of structured rehabilitationWeakVery low to low
Moderate CSM12 to 14Surgical interventionStrongModerate
Severe CSM0 to 11Surgical interventionStrongModerate
  • CSM, cervical spondylotic myelopathy; JOA, Japanese Orthopaedic Association.