Spinal Canal At C5 C6 Decreased In Its Diameter. Do I Need Surgery?

Posted on Thu, 21 Feb 2013

Question: referring to my spine, at c5/6 the canal is reduced to 8mm does this mean that i will probably require surgery

Answered by Dr. Saurabh Gupta (3 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.

The symptoms you describe are concerning for cervical myelopathy, though other possibilities do exist. The cervical spinal canal is normally 12-15mm in diameter, with age related wear and tear, arthritis, injury etc., this canal can become smaller (stenosis). At 10mm and less, the spinal canal is considered at risk for compression/myelopathy (squeezed spinal cord) and at 7-8mm surgery is often initiated. However, depending on the patients symptoms and imaging findings, a patient may have surgery with larger canals.

Hope this information helps you. Please do write back if you have any additional concerns.

Wishing you good health...

Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.
Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar