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Background: The Romberg test is used to identify balance issues in patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (CSM), but has subjective interpretation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate force plate pressure readings during a Romberg test to quantify postural control. Methods: Quantitative Romberg force plate readings with eyes open and closed in patients with CSM were obtained and changes in balance measurements were compared to a normal population (N = 28, mean age 39 ± 7 years). Results: We identified 30 CSM patients with a mean age of 58 ± 10 years. Majority of patients presented with pain (90%) and neurologic symptoms (83%). Cord compression on imaging was identified in 90%. Mean eyes closed Romberg measurements were larger compared to eyes open measurements in CSM patients (p

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Surgical decision making for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) relies on subjective reports of symptoms and interpretation of physical exam findings. The Romberg test is used to identify balance issues, but has subjective interpretation. When combined with a force plate, the amount and velocity of sway during the Romberg test can be quantified objectively. PURPOSE The study aims to quantify static balance control in myelopathic patients and use this measure for diagnosis and evaluation of disease severity. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Cross-sectional pilot study. PATIENT SAMPLE Thirty myelopathic patients seen for surgery (mean age of 58±10 years) and 28 normal patients (N=28, mean age 39±7 years). OUTCOME MEASURES Quantitative Romberg measurements from force-plate readings for static balance control. METHODS CSM patients scheduled for surgery who had quantitative balance measurements were identified. Clinical examination findings and imaging results for CSM were reviewed. Quantitative Romberg force plate readings with eyes open and closed were obtained and changes in balance measurements were compared to a normal population (N=28, mean age 39±7 years). RESULTS We identified 30 CSM patients with a mean age of 58±10years. Majority of patients presented with pain (90%) and neurologic symptoms (83%). Cord compression identified in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or in CT myelograms, was reported in 90%; only 20% had T2 cord signal changes on MRI. Mean eyes closed Romberg measurements were larger compared to eyes open measurements in CSM patients [p CONCLUSIONS Static balance can be quantified in patients with CSM and is worse when compared to a normal population. Long tract signs and cord compression in imaging translates to worsening balance in myelopathic patients. The use of quantitative Romberg measurements may help diagnose and evaluate progression of CSM.