Study to Validate and Test the Turkish Version of the Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score for Adults with Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

What this Trial Is About

Degenerative cervical myelopathy DCM is a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults, leading to progressive problems with movement, sensation, and autonomic functions. Standardized and accurate assessment of neurological function is crucial for making clinical decisions, predicting outcomes, and comparing treatments. This study aims to create and validate a Turkish version of the Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association mJOA score, a widely used tool that measures neurological status in DCM patients, since no validated Turkish version currently exists. The study is a prospective, cross-sectional validation involving adult patients with confirmed DCM. Researchers will culturally adapt the mJOA score into Turkish using a standardized translation process. They will review previous cervical MRI scans to assess the level of spinal cord damage and collect clinical data including age, sex, symptom duration, and treatment status. The Turkish mJOA scores will be compared with other clinical scales like the Neck Disability Index and Nurick grading system to evaluate validity. Reliability will be tested by comparing scores from two independent evaluators and by repeating the test after 7 to 14 days in stable patients. Participants will attend outpatient clinics where clinical scales and questionnaires will be administered. The study will record the time needed to complete the Turkish mJOA and note any difficulties. Researchers will analyze correlations between scores and evaluate consistency between raters and over time. The main outcomes include the Turkish mJOA score and Neck Disability Index on the first day. This research will help standardize DCM assessment in Turkish clinical practice and support international comparisons.

Validity of the Turkish Translation of the Modified JOA