Cervical (neck)
Spondylotic (spine wearing out)
Myelopathy (spinal cord dysfunction)
This term describes a condition in the neck (cervical region) where the spine gets so degenerated (spondylosis, or the adjective form of the word is spondylotic) that there is impingement or squeezing of the spinal cord causing spinal cord dysfunction (myelopathy).
These views, through an unaffected area, C23, show how the spinal cord has plenty of room around it with the spinal fluid, which shows up white in this MRI sequence.
However, at the C34 area, which is more severely involved, shows no room for spinal fluid, as the spinal cord is compressed by the degenerative process. This patient at the time of presentation has severe spinal cord dysfunction.
Similar findings are seen at the C45 level, with a large herniated disc pushing right into the middle of the spinal cord.