We have reported a series of 15 cases of ascending cystic degenerative myelopathy from a total of 1500 spinal injuries over a period of 30 years, an incidence of 1 per cent. although sensory impairment was troublesome in many cases, motor loss was infrequent and minimal and never became severe enough to warrant further investigation or active surgical treatment. A conservative approach is recommended in the management of this complication.