Table 2.

summary of the JOA scoring system for the assessment of myelopathy

neurological status	score
lower-limb motor dysfunction
unable to walk	0
Able to walk on flat floor with walking aid	1
Able to walk up/downstairs w/handrail	2
Lack of stability & smooth reciprocation of gait	3
no dysfunction	4
lower-limb sensory deficit
severe sensory loss or pain	0
Mild sensory deficit	1
no deficit	2
trunk sensory deficit
severe sensory loss or pain	0
Mild sensory deficit	1
no deficit	2
sphincter dysfunction
unable to void	0
marked difficulty in micturition	1
minor difficulty in micturition	2
no dysfunction	3

Total score for a healthy patient is 11.