HOFFMANN'S SIGN OR REFLEX FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY (CSM) Next to fractures, another red flag we have to screen for in the cervical spine is cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), which is an encroachment of the spinal cord at cervical level by degenerative changes (uncinate process and facet joint osteophytosis, ossification or hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament and the ligamntum flavum or subluxations of the vertebral body). If the spinal cord is compressed, our patie

HOFFMANN'S SIGN OR REFLEX FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY (CSM) Next to fractures, another red flag we have to screen for in the cervical spine is cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), which is an encroachment of the spinal cord at cervical level by degenerative changes (uncinate process and facet joint osteophytosis, ossification or hypertrophy of the posterior longitudinal ligament and the ligamntum flavum or subluxations of the vertebral body). If the spinal cord is compressed, our patie

CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY (CSM): BABINSKI SIGN OR REFLEX The most commonly used test in the detection of upper motor neuron (UMN) lesion is the Babinski sign or reflex, which is another pathological reflex. Some refer to it as the equivalent of the Hoffmann's sign for the lower limbs. As CSM can lead to an upper motor neuron lesion, we can use the Babinski sign in the diagnosis for CSM as well. In a healthy patient, stroking the foot sole will lead to flexion of all toes. In case the Babin