Using MRI to predict surgical outcomes in cervical spine injury

MRI-Derived Neuromuscular Signatures to Predict Surgical Response in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11032875

This study is looking at how degenerative cervical myelopathy affects your spinal cord and muscles, which can cause hand weakness and coordination problems, and it aims to use advanced MRI scans to help doctors figure out who might benefit from surgery to improve their condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032875 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) affects the spinal cord and neuromuscular function, leading to hand weakness and coordination issues. By utilizing advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to create detailed neuromuscular profiles that reflect the health of the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. These profiles will help identify which patients are likely to benefit from surgical intervention, potentially improving surgical decision-making and outcomes for individuals with DCM.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with degenerative cervical myelopathy who are experiencing hand weakness and coordination difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients with mild symptoms of degenerative cervical myelopathy or those who are not surgical candidates may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictions of surgical recovery for patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to assess neuromuscular conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.