Summary A retrospective study of 125 patients with cervical spondylosis with, in the main,myelographic features, and treated by the anterior cervical route (Cloward's operation) is presented. Patients were selected for this type of surgery as opposed to the posterior approach, on clinical and radiological grounds which are described. Results of this treatment have generally been good and this is particularly so in very elderly patients with a single lesion at C 3/4. There is a group of patients in whom the disease process seems to ...