# Radiographic markers of clinical function in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

> **NIH NIH K23** · UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR · 2020 · $179,637

## Abstract

Project Summary
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a common degenerative condition of the cervical spine that leads to
pain and progressive spinal injury. Primary drivers of clinical injury in CSM include forward head posture (a
biomechanical process) and spinal compression (a neuromechanical process). The current proposal seeks to
define clinically-relevant radiographic biomarkers, using standard X-ray and Magnetization Transfer-MRI
images, to investigate the role of head posture and spinal compression in CSM patients and age-matched
controls. These biomarkers will then be directly correlated to anatomically-specific tests of clinical function,
including pain, disability, strength, and coordination. The long-term goal is to develop standardized
radiographic values and thresholds that can be used to identify appropriate surgical candidates and predict
prognosis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10165904
- **Project number:** 7K23NS091430-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Zachary Smith
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $179,637
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2017-02-01 → 2022-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10165904

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10165904, Radiographic markers of clinical function in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy (7K23NS091430-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10165904. Licensed CC0.

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