Lay summary
Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is a common yet under-recognised, age-related disorder causing spinal cord compression in the neck. Māori and Pacific peoples are at higher risk due to anatomical differences and often access healthcare later with more severe DCM. Delayed diagnosis leads to irreversible disability, with 95% of sufferers experiencing ongoing disability, 42% requiring daily assistance and 37% unable to maintain employment. This research aims to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, improving outcomes and thereby reducing the personal and socioeconomic burden of DCM. To achieve this, I will survey Australasian spinal surgeons to understand diagnostic practices, informing the development of expert consensus-based screening criteria for primary healthcare. Additionally, I will evaluate the effectiveness of whole spine MRI as a screening tool for early detection of DCM through a prospective diagnostic accuracy study.