Correlation Between Cervical Spine MRI Findings and Neurological Deficit in Cervical Spondylosis

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to establish the correlation between the findings of cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurological deficit in patients suffering from cervical spondylosis.

Materials & Methods: The present study is an observational analytical study that was carried out at Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, from 23 March 2025 to 23 February 2026. All those who had clinically and radiologically confirmed cervical spondylosis were included, with a total of 242 patients. Neurological examination was carried out using clinical examination, and neurological deficits were divided by levels of severity. MRI was used to assess the cervical spinal cord for evidence of changes in signal intensity, disc degeneration, and spinal canal stenosis. Correlation between imaging findings and neurological status was determined by statistical analysis.

Results: The presentation of most patients was neck pain and radiculopathy. Ninety percent of patients had evidence of disc degeneration on MRI, and a significant number of patients had canal stenosis of varying degrees. Compression of the cord was seen in 42.1 per cent, and changes in signal intensity were noted in 26.4 per cent. There was a great positive correlation between MRI severity and neurological deficit. There were higher grades of neurological impairment in patients with severe stenosis with cord signal changes.

Conclusion: There was a good correlation between MRI changes of the cervical spine and neurologic deficit. MRI in cervical spondylosis was found to be a useful tool to assess disease severity and to predict clinical outcome.