Table 1: Evaluation system for cervical myelopathy (compiled by the Japanese Orthopedic Association [11]).

Section score Points (I) Upperextremity function  Impossible to eat with either chopsticks or spoon 0  Possible to eat with spoon, but not with chopsticks 1  Possible to eat with chopsticks, but inadequate 2  Possible to eat with chopsticks, but awkward 3  Normal 4 (II) Lower extremity function  Impossible to walk 0  Need cane or aid on flat ground 1  Need cane or aid on stairs 2  Possible to walk without cane or aids, but slow 3  Normal 4 (III) Sensory  A Upper extremity   Apparent sensory loss 0   Minimal sensory loss 1   Normal 2  B Lower extremity   Apparent sensory loss 0   Minimal sensory loss 1   Normal 2  C Trunk   Apparent sensory loss 0   Minimal sensory loss 1   Normal 2 (IV) Bladder function  Urinary retention or incontinence 0  Severe dysuria (sense of retention, straining) 1  Slight dysuria (pollakiuria, retardation) 2  Normal 3

Normal condition = total of best score (I + II + III + IV) = 17 points.