Oil myelography in cervical spondylosis.

Oil myelograms were performed on 62 patients with cervical spondylosis and signs of cervical root compression; 185 abnormal roots were seen. A filling defect of greater than or equal to 50% of the thickness of the lateral oil column usually coincided with clinical symptoms from the same root (42/52); 23 such patients were operated on, and 18 had their symptoms relieved. Of 133 roots with less severe abnormalities, only 53 were presumed to be the cause of the clinical symptoms or signs; 16 such patients were operated on, and 7 of them benefited from the operation.