Clinical Outcome Scales for Use in a Rabbit Model of Cervical Myelopathy

This study determined the ability of an upper extremity Tarlov scale, a lower extremity Tarlov scale, and the Durham scale to predict the development of myelopathy and the likelihood of survival in a rabbit model of surgical treatments for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Forty-eight rabbits were evaluated using the scales after cervical spinal surgery. Logistic regression analysis revealed that all three scales could predict the occurrence of myelopathy. However, only the Durham and lower extremity Tarlov scales also predicted the likelihood of survival. The Durham scale is offered as a useful predictor of myelopathy and survival in an animal model of surgical treatments for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The lower extremity Tarlov scale is also a useful predictor of outcome; however, the upper extremity Tarlov scale is not recommended.