Evaluation of impairment of hand function in patients with cervical myelopathy.

Clumsiness of the hands is one of the most common complaints in patients with cervical myelopathy. However, few reports have been published that evaluate hand dysfunction. One hundred and twenty-nine patients (36 women and 93 men) with cervical myelopathy were examined and results compared with those of age- and sex-matched controls. Hand function was evaluated as scores of 10 subtests designed on the basis of various hand activities. Patients with cervical myelopathy obtained significantly lower scores on the hand function test in each age-group than controls. There was good correlation between hand function scores and the extent of cervical myelopathy. Therefore, the hand function test is a useful battery to objectively and quantitatively evaluate impairment of cervical myelopathy, although longitudinal studies are needed to determine its practical usability.