Spontaneous regression of soft disc herniation in patients with cervical myelopathy

PURPOSE:: To describe patients with cervical myelopathy due to cervical disc herniation (CDH) who showed spontaneous regression, we conducted a retrospective study. METHODS:: A review of clinical records since 1990 identified 19 patients (12 male and 7 female; mean age, 42.4 y) with mild cervical myelopathy due to CDH who exhibited spontaneous CDH regression after conservative treatment. RESULTS:: The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were 13.7±1.4 before conservative treatment, 14.8±1.2 at 3 months, and 15.9±0.7 at final follow-up. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the CDH regression was observed at 7.5 months on average. Intramedullary high-signal intensity was observed in 15 patients (78.9%) before treatment and 9 patients (47.4%) at follow-up. The mean area of the spinal cord was 58.4±8.3 mm before treatment and 62.4±9.7 mm at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:: Spontaneous regression of the CDH in 19 patients with mild cervical myelopathy was observed, with improvements in neurological status and in intramedullary high-signal intensity on MRI.