应用张力带式椎板成形术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化

目的 评价应用张力带式椎板成形术(TBL)治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化(OPLL)的疗效.方法 本组病例包括颈椎后纵韧带骨化46例,男33例,女13例,平均年龄59岁(36～77岁).韧带骨化范围在C2-6,包括单节段型4例,连续型20例和混合型22例.全部病例均接受C2-7,TBL,受累节段涉及C3或以上者,同时接受寰椎后弓切除术.神经功能疗效评估采用日本骨科学会的颈椎病评分标准(JOA).解剖学疗效分析是利用计算机对手术前后X线片及MRI进行测量.结果 术后42例(91.3%)患者神经功能得到改善,影像学分析显示术后硬膜囊、脊髓中矢径增加和脊髓后移.结论 TBL手术是治疗颈椎OPLL的一种有效方法.     

Spinal posterior movement after posterior cervical decompression surgery: clinical findings and factors affecting postoperative functional recovery

This study investigated the posterior movement of the spinal cord after posterior decompression surgery and evaluated factors affecting postoperative functional recovery in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). Thirty-two patients with CSM underwent posterior decompression from C3 to C7 through laminectomy (n=12) and single, open-door laminoplasty (n=20). There were no significant differences between laminectomy and laminoplasty in degree of spinal posterior movement, recovery rate, and curvature index. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores improved from preoperative (10.63±1.77; range, 7-14) to 3-months postoperative (13.57±1.50; range, 11-16) (n=32, P<.05) and from preoperative (10.24±1.87; range, 7-14) to 6-months postoperative (14.16±1.54; range, 12-16) (n=21) (P<.05). C5 palsy was observed in 1 (3.1%) patient. The vertebral body-to-spinal cord distances significantly increased after operations, with the greatest posterior movement at C5 and the least posterior movement at C3 and C7. However, the difference in the degree of the spinal movement of C3 to C7 was not statistically significant (P>.05). Furthermore, no correlation was found between the magnitude of spinal posterior movement and the curvature index. In addition, the magnitude of posterior movement and age were not correlated with the postoperative JOA improvement, but the preoperative JOA scores were. Our study shows that both laminectomy and laminoplasty can produce a similar degree of posterior movement of the spinal cord. Cervical lordosis is not associated with the posterior movement of the cord. The preoperative JOA scores, but not posterior movement of the cord and age, are important determinants for postoperative outcome.     

Comparison of enlargement of the spinal canal after cervical laminoplasty: open-door type and double-door type

The purpose of this study was to compare the degree of enlargement of the spinal canal between two methods of cervical laminoplasty (open-door laminoplasty and double-door laminoplasty) and to determine their appropriate surgical indications based on the results. Tension-band laminoplasty (TBL, one method of open-door type) was performed in 33 patients and double-door laminoplasty (DDL) in 20 patients. The operation level ranged from C2 to C7 in all patients. The width of the spinal canal and the inclination angle of the lamina at the C5 and C6 levels were measured using a computer software program (Image J) and pre- and postoperative CT films. Concerning the degree of enlargement of the spinal canal, the mean expansion ratio at the C5 level was 148.9% in TBL and 148.2% in DDL, and there was no significant difference between them. However, at the C6 level, it was 159.0% in TBL and 140.3% in DDL, which was significantly larger in TBL than DDL (p < 0.05). The increase of inclination angle of the lamina was 11.0° in TBL and 19.0° in DDL at the C5 level, and 9.2° in TBL and 19.3° in DDL at the C6 level. At both the C5 and C6 levels, it was significantly larger in DDL than TBL (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the appropriate surgical indications of TBL were considered to be (1) cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) combined with hemilateral radiculopathy, (2) severe prominence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), and (3) patients with tiny spinous processes who cannot undergo DDL. Those of DDL were considered to be (1) usual CSM, (2) small and slight prominence of OPLL, (3) CSM combined with bilateral radiculopathy, and (4) cervical canal stenosis combined with instability necessitating posterior spinal instrumentation surgery.     

Minimum 2-year outcome of cervical laminoplasty with deep extensor muscle-preserving approach: impact on cervical spine function and quality of life

In this retrospective cohort study, two surgical methods of conventional open-door laminoplasty and deep extensor muscle-preserving laminoplasty were allocated for the treatment of cervical myelopathy, and were specifically compared in terms of axial pain, cervical spine function, and quality of life (QOL) with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Eighty-four patients were divided into two groups and received either a conventional open-door laminoplasty (CL group) or laminoplasty using a deep extensor muscle-preserving approach (MP group). The latter approach was performed by preserving multifidus and semispinalis cervicis attachments followed by open-door laminoplasty and re-suture of the bisected spinous processes at each decompression level. The average follow-up period was 38 months (25–53 months). The preoperative and follow-up evaluations included the original Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, the new tentative JOA score including cervical spine function and QOL, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) of axial pain. Radiological analyses included cervical lordosis and flexion–extension range of motion (flex–ext ROM) (C2–7), and deep extensor muscle areas on MR axial images. The JOA recovery rates were statistically equivalent between two groups. The MP group demonstrated a statistically superior cervical spine function (84% vs 63%) and QOL (61% vs 45%) when compared to the CL group at final follow-up (P < 0.05). The average VAS scores at final follow-up were 2.3 and 4.9 in MP and CL groups (P < 0.05). The cervical lordosis and flex–ext ROM were statistically equivalent. The percent deep muscle area on MRI demonstrated a significant atrophy in CL group compared to that in MP group (56% vs 88%; P < 0.01). Laminoplasty employing the deep extensor muscle-preserving approach appeared to be effective in reducing the axial pain and deep muscle atrophy as well as improving cervical spine function and QOL when compared to conventional open-door laminoplasty.     

两种颈后路单开门手术方法对颈椎曲度指数及活动度的影响

[目的]探讨两种颈后路单开门手术方法对术后患者神经功能改善率、颈椎曲度指数、颈椎活动度的影响及其临床意义.[方法]自2008年6月～2011年9月,78例脊髓型颈椎病患者接受颈后路单开门椎管扩大成形术.A组41例患者行改良术式,即保留颈半棘肌肌止,切除C3椎板,C4-7“锚定法”单开门椎管扩大成形术.B组37例患者行传统C3-7单开门椎管成形术.计算两组患者神经功能改善率及术前术后颈椎曲度指数、颈椎活动度的变化,研究两组间差异.[结果]两组患者术后神经功能改善恢复率,A组为(57.5±19.4)％,B组为56.3±19.8％,两组间差异无统计学意义,术后颈椎曲度指数丢失百分比,A组丢失(2.86±2.44)％,B组丢失(5.31±2.12)％,B患者手术前后颈椎曲度指数丢失明显多于A组.术后颈椎活动度,A组患者术后丢失(8.27±5.03).,B组患者术后丢失(11.06±6.97)°,两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).[结论]保留颈半棘肌肌止,C3椎板切除,C4-7“锚定法”单开门椎管扩大椎管成形术,与传统术式相比具有同样的神经功能改善率,同时能有效防止颈椎曲度指数及颈椎活动度的丢失.     

K-line (−) in the neck-flexed position negatively affects surgical outcome of expansive open-door laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BackgroundThe K-line in the neck-flexed position (FK-line) on radiography reflects dynamic factors and cervical alignment. Although the FK-line has been reported to affect the neurological recovery after muscle-preserving selective laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), its influence on surgical outcomes after expansive open-door laminoplasty (ELAP) has not been investigated.MethodsWe reviewed the surgical outcomes in 81 patients with multilevel CSM who underwent C4–C6 ELAP combined with C3 and C7 partial laminectomy using a laminoplasty plate and were followed up for at least 2 years. We defined the K-line (?) as some portion of a bony spur or the vertebral body crossing the FK-line, whereas the FK-line (+) was defined as that never crossing the FK-line. Patients were divided into the FK-line (+) (n = 61) and FK-line (?) groups (n = 20), and the surgical outcomes were compared between the groups. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the factors that influenced the neurological outcomes.ResultsThe FK-line (?) group had a smaller C2–C7 angle, smaller C7 slope, greater postoperative increase in the C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis, greater kyphosis in cervical flexion and less lordosis in cervical extension, and higher incidence of postoperative residual spinal cord compression. The preoperative-to-postoperative changes in the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and JOA score recovery rate (RR) were lower in the FK-line (?) group. The multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the K-line (?) (β = ?0.327, P = 0.011) and high signal intensity (SI) changes on T2-weighted imaging (WI) combined with the low SI changes on T1-WI in the spinal cord (β = ?0.320, P = 0.013) negatively affected the JOA score RR.ConclusionsThe FK-line can be used for patients with CSM as a simple indicator of neurological outcomes after ELAP.     

Medium-term outcomes of C3�C6 laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy: a prospective study with a minimum 5-year follow-up

C3–6 laminoplasty preserving muscle insertions into the C7 spinous process is reportedly associated with a significantly decreased frequency of postoperative axial neck pain. However, no prospective study has reported medium-term outcomes of C3–6 laminoplasty. The purpose of this study was to elucidate medium-term outcomes after C3–6 laminoplasty. Subjects comprised 31 patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent C3–6 laminoplasty preserving all bilateral muscles attached to the C2 and C7 spinous processes and were followed for ≥5 years. Clinical and radiological data were prospectively collected. Neurological status was assessed using Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score. Axial neck pain was graded as severe, moderate or mild. Sagittal alignment of the cervical spine and progression of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) were assessed by comparing serial lateral radiographs. Mean JOA score improved significantly from 10.6 before surgery to 14.7 at the time of maximum recovery, and slightly declined to 14.3 at final follow-up. In six patients who developed late deterioration, these conditions were unrelated to the cervical spine. As of final follow-up, only one patient (3.2%) had complained of axial neck pain persisting for 5 years. Although progression of OPLL was found in 63.6% of patients, none had experienced neurological deterioration due to this progression. At final follow-up, sagittal alignment of the cervical spine was more lordotic than before surgery. Medium-term outcomes of C3–6 laminoplasty were satisfactory. Frequencies of persistent axial neck pain and loss of cervical lordosis after surgery remained significantly decreased for ≥5 years postoperatively.     

T1–2 disc herniation following an en bloc cervical laminoplasty

 We report a rare case of T1–2 disc herniation following cervical laminoplasty. A 56-year-old male patient presented with left foot-drop and gait disturbance of abrupt onset 11 years after a successful laminoplasty from C3–7. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed spinal stenosis at T1–2 due to intervertebral disc herniation and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Three days later, laminectomy with disc fragment excision was performed at that level. Two weeks after surgery, he was able to walk without assistance. Mechanical stresses may have directly affected the T1–2 intervertebral disc following laminoplasty and may have caused disc herniation. Received: October 17, 2001 / Accepted: February 1, 2002     

多节段脊髓型颈椎病术前颈椎曲度对椎管扩大椎板成形术术后神经功能恢复影响

目的探讨多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者术前颈椎曲度与椎管扩大椎板成形术术后神经功能之间的相关性。方法选取2013年1月—2015年12月在第二军医大学附属长征医院实施椎管扩大椎板成形术的70例多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者作为研究对象进行回顾性分析。按照患者术前X线片中的颈椎曲度将患者分为曲度正常组(A组)、曲度变直组(B组)、轻度曲度后凸组(C组),比较3组患者术后各节段脊髓后移距离、神经功能恢复率,并探讨术前颈椎曲度、术后脊髓后移距离与神经功能恢复率之间的相关性。结果 3组患者术后各节段脊髓后移距离组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。3组患者术前、术后的组间日本骨科学会(JOA)评分、神经功能恢复率差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);与术前相比,术后3组患者的JOA评分均明显增高,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。颈椎曲度与神经功能恢复率、脊髓后移距离之间无相关性。结论术前颈椎曲度变直及轻度后凸的多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者在实施椎管扩大椎板成形术后脊髓神经功能均可改善,曲度变直及轻度后凸可能不再是多节段脊髓型颈椎病行椎管扩大椎板成形术的禁忌证。     

全椎板减压侧块螺钉固定与单开门椎管成形治疗无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤的病例对照研究

目的:比较全椎板减压侧块螺钉固定与单开门椎管成形治疗无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤的临床疗效.方法:对2014年12月至2020年4月收治的75例无骨折脱位型颈髓损伤患者进行回顾性分析,其中男65例,女10例,年龄33～83(60.1±11.4)岁.按手术方式分为观察者(36例)与对照组(39例).观察组采用C3-C6单开门椎管...     

改良椎板成形术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症术后颈椎矢状位参数变化与临床疗效关系

目的:探讨C3椎板切除、C7椎板U形切除的改良椎板成形术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL)术后颈椎矢状位参数变化及其对临床疗效的影响。方法:采用病例对照研究的方法,纳入99例OPLL患者。其中C3切除组42例,男22例,女20例,平均年龄61.4±9.23岁(39~78岁),采用C3椎板切除、C4-6椎板单开门、C7椎板U型切除。同期采用标准单开门椎管扩大成形术(C3开门组)患者57例,男31例,女26例,平均年龄59.3±8.65岁(41~79岁)。平均随访45.9±8.8个月,观察两组患者术前术后JOA、NDI评分,观察两组患者术前后颈椎生理曲度及C2-7 SVA值变化。对各组内颈椎是否保持前凸的患者分成亚组,对比亚组间JOA及NDI评分差异。对比C3开门组内行C3-6及C3-7开门的患者的矢状位参数变化值。结果:两组患者术前各项指标无统计学差异,至末次随访时两组患者的JOA及NDI评分均显著好转,末次随访JOA评分两组间无差异,而C3切除组的NDI(6.06±4.49)优于C3开门组(8.25±7.53)。末次随访时两组颈椎曲度均有不同程度的降低,C3切除组颈椎曲度对比术前无统计学差异(颈椎曲度变化值为3.30°±9.36°),而C3开门组有差异(颈椎曲度变化值为6.25°±10.22°),两组间颈椎曲度值及变化值均有统计学差异(P<0.05)。末次随访两组的C2-7 SVA均有不同程度的增加,对比术前SVA,C3切除组无统计学差异,而C3开门组有差异,两组间的C2-7 SVA值及变化值有统计学差异(P<0.05)。C3开门组患者中有30例行C3-6开门,27例行C3-7开门,两亚组患者的术前及末次随访的颈椎生理曲度及C2-7 SVA值均无统计学差异。末次随访时两组内颈椎前凸及后凸的病例的JOA,NDI评分变化,神经功能改善率均无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论:C3椎板切除的改良椎板单开门成形术能有效维持术后颈椎生理曲度,在一定程度上减缓颈椎后路术后颈椎后凸畸形的进展。手术后颈椎矢状面参数的变化与患者的临床疗效无显著相关性。     

单侧椎板成形与全椎板切除术后C5神经根麻痹发生率分析

目的 探讨颈椎后路全椎板切除辅助钉棒系统固定与后路单侧椎板成形辅助微型钢板固定术后C5神经根麻痹发生率及其他手术相关并发症差异。 方法 回顾性分析因本院行颈后路减压手术患者105例,其中49例患者行后路全椎板切除辅助钉棒系统固定,56例患者行后路单侧椎板成形术微型钢板内固定术。所有患者手术前后均进行日本骨科学会（Japanese Orthopaedic Association, JOA）评分及影像学评估。 结果 2组患者术后C5神经根麻痹发生率差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。2种手术方式神经功能改善率差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。 结论 C5神经根麻痹发生可能与术后颈髓漂移造成神经根牵拉有关。单侧椎板成形辅助微型钢板固定并发症较少,但单侧椎板成形术对颈椎没有矫形作用。     

单开门椎板成形术和椎板切除并侧块螺钉内固定术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的疗效比较

目的比较单开门椎板成形术和椎板切除并侧块螺钉内固定术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的疗效及术后并发症发生情况,并探究颈椎曲度和矢状面平衡对疗效的影响。方法回顾性分析2005年1月—2013年12月在西安交通大学附属红会医院行手术治疗的455例多节段OPLL患者资料,其中231例行椎板成形术(A组),224例行椎板切除并侧块螺钉内固定术(B组),手术范围均为C_(3~7)。记录2组患者一般资料及术后并发症发生情况。比较术后各随访时间点的C_(2~7) Cobb角、颈椎曲度指数(CCI)、C_2铅垂线至C_7后上缘的距离(C_(2~7_ SVA)、日本骨科学会(JOA)评分、视觉模拟量表(VAS)评分和颈椎功能障碍指数(NDI)。结果所有患者均获随访,平均随访31.2(27~38)个月。术后24个月,2组C_(2~7) Cobb角和CCI均较术前明显减小,但2组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05);A组C_(2~7) SVA较术前明显增高,B组C_(2~7) SVA无明显变化,2组间相比差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后24个月,2组JOA评分、VAS评分及NDI较术前均明显改善,2组间JOA评分在各随访时间点差异均无统计学意义(P0.05);VAS评分在术后1个月、3个月、6个月时A组低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),6个月后2组差异无统计学意义(P0.05);NDI在术后1个月、3个月时A组低于B组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05),3个月后2组差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。共有34例患者发生C_5神经根麻痹,其中A组中有11例,B组中有23例,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论椎板成形术尽管在维持颈椎矢状面平衡上不如椎板切除并侧块螺钉内固定术,但两者能获得相似的神经功能恢复。椎板成形术术后轴性痛在短期内低于椎板切除并侧块螺钉内固定术,长期两者无明显差异;椎板成形术术后C_5神经根麻痹的发生率较椎板切除并侧块螺钉内固定术低,但患者均能在6个月内恢复。     

Decompressive laminoplasty in multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy: bilateral cutting versus open-door technique

Purpose  The aim of the study was to evaluate patients with multisegmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCM) surgically treated via a dorsal approach. Two different laminoplasty techniques were compared by assessment of enlargement of the spinal canal and the neurological outcome. Methods  Thirteen patients (mean age 49 years, 11 males) underwent decompressive laminoplasty over a 7-year period. The average duration of symptoms was 21 months. The pre- and postoperative degree of myelopathy was assessed by both the Nurick grading and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association myelopathy score (JOA score). Preoperatively, the mean Nurick grade was 3.1 and the mean JOA score was 11. Two different techniques of expansive laminoplasty were used. Six patients underwent a bilateral cutting (BL) technique with retropositioning of the laminae and bilateral mini-plating (BL group). Seven patients were operated on by simple open-door (OD) laminoplasty with unilateral mini-plating (OD group). Postoperatively, CT scans were obtained for all patients to measure the sagittal diameter of the spinal canal. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 33 months. Results  Four to five laminae were involved in all patients.The mean operation time was 180 min. Complications occurred in two patients of BL group, with immediate postoperative neurological deterioration due to ventral displacement of the laminae. Overall, the average sagittal diameter (SD) of the spinal canal increased from 9.2 ± 1.3 mm to 12.4 ± 1.3 mm after surgery. The average enlargement of SD was significantly higher for the OD group (p < 0.0075 ). In total, the improvement rate was 38% according to the Nurick grading and 69% according to the JOA score. For the OD group, improvement rates were 57% (Nurick) and 71% (JOA). Conclusions  Decompressive laminoplasty is comparable with anterior surgery in neurological outcome. The OD technique seems to be superior to our BL technique regarding both the enlargement of SD and complication rate.     

Medroxyprogesterone acetate,enoxaparin and pentoxyfylline cause alterations in lipid peroxidation,paraoxonase (PON1) activities and homocysteine levels in the acute oxidative stress in an experimental model of spinal cord injury

Summary.  Background: Effects of medroxyprogesterone acetate, enoxaparin and pentoxyfylline on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defence system, paraoxonase activities, and homocysteine levels in an experimental model of spinal cord injury were investigated.  Method: Sixty-three male albino Wistar rats were anaesthetized by 400 mg/kg chloral hydrate and divided into 5 groups. G1 (n 7) = control group provided the baseline levels. G2–G5 underwent T3–6 total laminectomies and spinal cord injuries by clip compression at T4–5 levels. Medications were applied to G3–G5 right after the injury. Hence, G2 constituted laminectomy + injury (lam+I); G3 = lam + I + medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), G4 = lam + I + enoxaparin (E), and G5 = lam+I+pentoxyfylline (P) groups. Animals were decapitated either at the 1st or 4th hour after injury. Tissue and blood malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and plasma homocysteine and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and plasma paraoxonase (PON1) activities were assayed. SPSS 9.0 program was used for statistical analysis and graphics. Intergroup comparisons were made by Bonferroni corrected Mann Whitney U test (P<0.025), and intragroups comparisons by Wilcoxon Rank test (P<0.03).  Findings: In intergroup comparison, G1–G2, G1–G3, G1–G5, G2–G3, G2–G4, and G4–5 groups differed from each other for all parameters (P<0.025, MWU) except for G4–G5 4th hour MDA levels. G1–G4 was similar for all 1st hour parameters (P>0.025, MWU), but different for 4th hour (P<0.025, MWU) except for GSH-Px and SOD levels. For G2–G5, all parameters for 1st and 4th hour were similar except for 4th PON1, Hcy and SOD levels. For G3–G4, all 1st hour parameters were different from each other (P<0.025, MWU); whereas all 4th hour parameters were similar except for SOD level. For G3–G5, all parameters at 1st and 4th hour were similar except for 4th hour GSH-Px, PON1, and Hcy. In intragroup comparison, all parameters differed from each other at all times (P<0.03, WRT) except for 1st hour G4 MDA, Hcy and SOD levels compared to basal levels.  Interpretation: In injury groups, plasma Hcy levels decreased and PON1 activities increased as erythrocyte SOD level and GSH-Px activities decreased in parallel to increases of tissue and blood MDA levels. These changes were relatively suppressed by MPA, enoxaparin and pentoxyfylline administrations at varying degrees. Enoxaparin was the most powerful agent, particularly at 1st hour. MPA was also effective, particularly at 4th hour. Pentoxyfylline despite having slight effect at 4th hour, was not effective according to both control and injury groups. Enoxaparin and MPA can be used in the treatment of spinal cord injuries. PON1 and Hcy are helpful in monitoring the antioxidant defence system as well as SOD and GSH-Px, both in injury and medically treated groups. Published online October 10, 2002 Acknowledgments  The experiments comply with the current laws of the country on the protection of animals. We wish to thank “Erciyes University Medical Faculty, Hakan Cetinsaya Experimental and Clinical Research Centre, Kayseri, Turkey” for providing us the animals for this study. Correspondence: Dr. Cahide Topsakal, Firat Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, Norosirurji Departmani, Elazig/Turkey.     

Limitation of activities of daily living accompanying reduced neck mobility after laminoplasty preserving or reattaching the semispinalis cervicis into axis

Although difficulties with neck mobility often interfere with patients’ activities of daily living (ADL) after cervical laminoplasty, there was no detailed study on the relation between the limitations of ADL accompanying postoperative reduced neck mobility and the cervical posterior approach. The aim of this study was to compare retrospectively the frequency of limitations of ADL accompanying neck mobility after laminoplasty preserving the semispinalis cervicis inserted into the C2 spinous process with that after laminoplasty reattaching the muscle to C2. Forty-nine patients after C4–C7 laminoplasty with C3 laminectomy preserving the semispinalis cervicis inserted into C2 (Group A) and 24 patients after C3–C7 laminoplasty reattaching the muscle (Group B) were evaluated. The frequency of postoperative limitations of ADL accompanying each of three neck movements of extension, flexion and rotation were investigated. The postoperative O–C7 angles at extension and flexion was measured on lateral extension and flexion radiographs of the cervical spine, respectively. The postoperative cervical range of motion in rotation was measured in the cranial view using a digital camera. Frequency of limitations of ADL accompanying extension was lower (P = 0.037) in Group A (2%) than in Group B (17%). Frequency of limitations of ADL accompanying flexion was similar in Group A (8%) and Group B (4%). Frequency of limitations of ADL accompanying rotation was lower (P = 0.031) in Group A (12%) than in Group B (33%). Average O–C7 angle at extension was significantly larger (P = 0.002) in Group A (147°) than in Group B (136°). Average O–C7 angle at flexion was similar in Group A (93°) and Group B (91°). Average range of motion in rotation was significantly larger (P = 0.004) in Group A (110°) than in Group B (91°). This retrospective study suggested that the frequency of limitations of ADL accompanying neck extension or rotation was lower after laminoplasty preserving the semispinalis cervicis inserted into C2 than after laminoplasty reattaching the muscle.     

Indirect posterior decompression with corrective fusion for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the thoracic spine: is it possible to predict the surgical results?

To investigation of the outcomes of indirect posterior decompression with corrective fusion for myelopathy associated with thoracic ossification of the longitudinal ligament, and prognostic factors. Conservative treatment for myelopathy associated with thoracic ossification of the longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is mostly ineffective, and treatment is necessary. However, many authors have reported poor surgical outcomes, and no standard surgical procedure has been established. We have been performing indirect spinal cord decompression by posterior laminectomy and simultaneous corrective fusion of the thoracic kyphosis. Twenty patients underwent indirect posterior decompression with corrective fusion, and were included in this study. The follow-up period was minimum 2 years and averaged 2 years and 9 months (2–5 years 6 months). Operative results were examined using JOA scoring system (full marks: 11 points) and Hirabayashi’s recovery rate, as excellent (100–75%), good (74–50%), fair (49–25%), unchanged (24–0%) and deteriorated (i.e., decrease in score less than 0%). Cases in which the spinal cord is floating from OPLL on intraoperative ultrasonography were defined as the floating (+) group, and those without floating as the floating (−) group. In addition, we used compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) as intraoperative spinal cord monitoring and the cases were divided into three groups: Group A, no change in potential; Group B, potential decreased, and Group C, potential improved. The mean pre- and postoperative JOA scores were 6.2 and 8.9 points, respectively, and the recovery rate was 56%. The outcome was rated excellent in three, good in eight, fair in six, unchanged in two, and deteriorated in one. The mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis measured 58°, and was corrected to 51° after surgery. On intraoperative ultrasonography, 12 cases were included in the floating (+) and 8 in the floating (−) groups; the recovery rates were 58 and 52%, respectively, showing no significant difference between the recovery rates of the two groups. Regarding intraoperative CMAP, the outcome was excellent in one, good in seven, fair in four, and unchanged in one in Group A; fair in one, unchanged in one, and deteriorated in one in Group B, and excellent in two and good in one in Group C. The recovery rates were 50, 48 and 68.3% in Groups A, B and C, respectively, showing that the postoperative outcome was significantly poorer in Group B. Although indirect posterior decompression with corrective fusion using instruments obtained satisfactory outcomes, not all cases achieved good outcomes using this procedure. We consider that additional application of anterior decompressive fusion is preferable when improvement of symptoms occurs not satisfactory after indirect posterior decompression with corrective fusion using instruments. Intraoperative spinal cord monitoring of CMAP demonstrated that the spinal cord was already impaired during the laminectomy via the posterior approach. Concomitant intraoperative monitoring of CMAP to avoid impairment of the vulnerable spinal cord and corrective posterior spinal fusion with indirect spinal cord decompression is recommendable as a method capable of preventing postoperative neurological aggravation.     

Preserving the C7 spinous process with its muscles attached: effect on axial symptoms after cervical laminoplasty

Background  Many efforts to reduce axial symptoms after cervical laminoplasty have been tried and reported; nevertheless, avoiding the axial symptoms has not yet been solved. There have been some reports that preserving the muscles attached to the C7 spinous process could reduce axial symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether axial symptoms can be reduced by preserving the C7 spinous process with its muscles attached during cervical laminoplasty. Methods  A series of 21 patients (group A) with C4–6 laminoplasty, preserving the C7 spinous process and its attached muscles, were compared with 22 patients (group B) with C4–7 laminoplasty. The axial symptoms (incidence, intensity, severity), cervical mobility, cervical curvature morphology, cross-sectional area of posterior cervical muscles, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score were evaluated. Results  There were no significant differences in incidence, intensity, or severity of axial symptoms 1 year after operation. In addition, there were no significant differences in the cervical mobility or curvature morphology, the cross-sectional area of the posterior cervical muscles, or the JOA score. Conclusions  These results suggest that both preserving and not preserving the C7 spinous process with its muscles attached during cervical laminoplasty are acceptable in the long term.     

The relationship between preoperative cervical alignment and postoperative spinal cord drift after decompressive laminectomy and arthrodesis for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BackgroundCervical spondylotic myelopathy represents a debilitating disorder, often resulting in significant neurological impairment over time. Cervical laminectomy has enjoyed a successful track record in the surgical management of these patients. Little is understood regarding the significance of postdecompressive migration of the spinal cord in relation to patient outcome.MethodsPreoperative and postoperative cervical spine MRIs of 28 patients who underwent cervical laminectomy and fusion for the treatment of CSM were reviewed. Radiographic parameters including preoperative cervical alignment, LDI, space available at the level cepahlad/caudad to the decompression, percent spinal cord expansion at the radiographically most compressed level, and spinal cord drift to the midpoint of the spinal cord were measured and subsequently analyzed for statistical correlation. The recovery rate based on the mJOA score was calculated for each patient and analyzed for correlation with spinal cord drift.ResultsThe Cobb angle C2-7, cervical spinal angle, and CCI represented tightly correlated measures of cervical alignment. The preoperative cervical alignment did not statistically correlate with postoperative spinal cord drift. No statistical correlation was revealed between postdecompressive spinal cord drift and recovery rate.ConclusionsPreoperative cervical alignment does not statistically correlate with postoperative spinal cord drift in patients undergoing multisegmental decompressive laminectomy and fusion for CSM. The observation of significant posterior shifting of the spinal cord in the context of straight or kyphotic preoperative alignment suggests that posterior decompression and arthrodesis represent a viable option in the surgical management of patients with CSM with nonlordotic preoperative alignment.     

颈椎前路减压分段融合术和后路椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的病例对照研究

目的 :比较颈椎前路减压分段融合术和后路椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法:对2009年7月至2012年6月收治的56例多节段脊髓型颈椎病病例进行回顾性分析,男32例,女24例;年龄42~79岁,平均(56.9±12.8)岁,病程2个月~16年,平均(10.6±3.2)年。所有患者术前经影像学检查显示有多节段颈椎间盘突出,并具有脊髓型颈椎病的临床表现。其中34例采用颈椎前路减压分段融合术(前路组),22例采用后路椎管扩大成形术(后路组)。通过影像学资料对两组患者手术前后的病变节段前柱高度和颈椎前曲度进行比较,并采用JOA评分评价手术效果。结果:两组患者无神经血管并发症发生,并获得24~36个月的随访(平均28.6个月)。前路组,术后2周时颈椎病变节段前柱高度较术前明显增高(P0.05),颈椎前曲度较术前明显降低(P0.05)。后路组,术后2周及末次随访时,病变节段前柱高度和颈椎前曲度较术前差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。两组间在术后2周及末次随访时颈椎前曲度差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。术后两组JOA评分均出现了明显恢复,术后3个月及末次随访时,前路组明显高于后路组(P0.05),且JOA评分改善率前路组也优于后路组(P0.05)。结论:这种分段式前路融合手术可以有效地恢复颈椎前柱高度,并且与颈椎后路椎管扩大成形术相比,可以显著地改善脊髓功能,是治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的有效方案。