DCM-72 (dexterity, cutaneous, and muscle-72): A composite scoring system for objective assessment of upper limb dysfunction in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.

ABSTRACT:

Background context

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is characterized by spinal cord compression, which can present with limb weakness and numbness, loss of fine motor skills, gait disturbance, and bladder dysfunction. The modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) and Graded Redefined Assessment of Strength, Sensibility, and Prehension Version Myelopathy (GRASSP-M) scores evaluate distinct aspects to assess the severity of upper and lower extremity dysfunction. Our study aims to develop an integrative, multidimensional Dexterity, Cutaneous, and Muscle (DCM-72) scoring system to provide a more comprehensive and objective evaluation of upper extremity functional impairment.

Methods

Within this prospective, 2 center study, a total of 123 participants, comprising of 9

SUBMITTER: Arora H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12391253 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature