Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a progressive spinal cord disorder caused by age-related degenerative changes and can substantially impair quality of life. Clinical and radiological assessments, including the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are essential for diagnosis and management. The MYelopathy NAtural History (MYNAH) Registry (Registry ID ACSQHC-ARCR-258) was established in Australia in December 2022 to collect data on patients with DCM.
Aim: To describe the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients enrolled in the registry.
Methods: Eighty patients enrolled in the MYNAH Registry between its inception and 31 May 2026 were included. Demographic characteristics, follow-up duration, baseline mJOA scores, history of previous spinal surgery, and the presence of intramedullary T2 hyperintensity on MRI were evaluated.
Results: The mean age was 64.5±14.1 years, with 46 males and 34 females. The mean follow-up period was 27.1±11.5 months, and the mean baseline mJOA score was 15.4±2.9. Twenty-eight patients (35.0%) had undergone spinal surgery before registry enrolment. MRI data were available for 24 patients, of whom 10 (41.7%) demonstrated intramedullary T2 hyperintensity. Among these patients, 4 demonstrated T2 hyperintensity on postoperative MRI. In the 14 patients without a history of spinal surgery, T2 hyperintensity was present in 6 patients and absent in 8. Within this group, the mean mJOA score was lower in patients with T2 hyperintensity than in those without (15.2±2.2 vs. 16.3±2.4).
Conclusions: This study describes the clinical and radiological characteristics of patients with DCM enrolled in the MYNAH Registry. The registry provides valuable insight into the real-world presentation of DCM in Australia. Continued enrolment and data collection may improve understanding of the natural history of DCM and factors associated with clinical outcomes.