Is anterior decompression and fusion superior to laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy due to ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Context: Considerable controversy exists over surgical procedures for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).Objective: The purpose of the meta-analysis was to compare the clinical outcome of anterior decompression and fusion (ADF) with laminoplasty (LAMP) in treatment of cervical myelopathy due to OPLL.Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials database were searched to identify potential clinical studies compared ADF with LAMP for cervical myelopathy owing to OPLL. We also manually searched the reference lists of articles and reviews for possible relevant studies. Thirteen studies with 1120 patients were included in our analysis. Subgroup analyses were performed by the canal occupying ratio of OPLL.Results: Overall, the mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was similar between two groups. Compared with LAMP group, ADF group was higher at the mean postoperative JOA scores and mean recovery rate, reoperation rate, and longer at mean operation time. There was not significantly different in mean blood loss and complication rate between two groups. In subgroup analysis, ADF had a higher mean postoperative JOA score and recovery rate than LAMP in cases of OPLL with occupying ratios ≥ 50%, while those difference were not found in cases of OPLL with occupying ratios < 50%.Conclusion: ADF achieves better neurological improvement compared with LAMP in treatment of cervical myelopathy due to OPLL, especially in cases of OPLL with occupying ratios ≥ 50%. Complication rate is similar between two groups, but ADF can increase the risk of reoperation     

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing anterior decompression with fusion and posterior laminoplasty for cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

BackgroundThe optimal surgical procedure for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) remains controversial because there are few comprehensive studies investigating the surgical methods. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate evidence in the literature and compare the surgical outcomes of anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and laminoplasty (LAMP), which are representative procedures for cervical OPLL.MethodsAn extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies of ADF and LAMP for cervical OPLL. The language was restricted to English, and the year of publication was from January 1980 to December 2018. We extracted outcomes from the studies, such as preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, cervical alignment, surgical complications and reoperation rate. Then, meta-analysis was performed for these surgical outcomes.ResultsTwelve studies were obtained, including 1 prospective cohort study and 11 retrospective cohort studies. In the meta-analysis, neurological recovery rate in JOA score was greater in ADF than in LAMP, especially in patients with a large canal occupying ratio (≥60%) and preoperative kyphotic alignment. ADF also exhibited more favorable results in postoperative cervical alignment. In contrast, operating time and intraoperative blood loss were greater in ADF. Surgical complications were more frequently seen in ADF, leading to higher rates of reoperation.ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis showed both the merits and shortcomings of ADF and LAMP. ADF resulted in more favorable neurological recovery compared to LAMP, especially for patients with massive OPLL and kyphotic alignment. Postoperative cervical lordosis was also better preserved in ADF. However, ADF was associated with greater surgical invasion and higher incidences of surgical complications.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing anterior decompression with fusion and posterior laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BackgroundThe optimal surgical procedure for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) remains controversial because there are few comprehensive studies that have investigated the surgical methods. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate evidence in the literature and to compare the surgical outcomes between anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and laminoplasty, which are representative procedures for CSM.MethodsAn extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies of ADF and laminoplasty for CSM. The language was restricted to English, and the publication period was from January 2001 to July 2019. We only included studies of CSM and excluded studies that involved patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and treatments with posterior instrumented fusion. We extracted outcomes from the studies, such as preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, cervical alignment, surgical complications and reoperation rates. Then, a meta-analysis was performed on these surgical outcomes.ResultsNine studies were obtained, and the quality of the studies was acceptable. In the meta-analysis, the preoperative JOA score was similar between the ADF and laminoplasty groups. The postoperative JOA scores and neurological recovery rates were not different between the ADF and laminoplasty groups. ADF exhibited more favorable results than laminoplasty in terms of postoperative cervical alignment. In contrast, overall complications were more frequently observed in the ADF group than in the laminoplasty group, leading to higher rates of reoperation. However, postoperative neck pain was more frequently observed in the laminoplasty group than in the ADF group.ConclusionsThis systematic review and meta-analysis showed both the merits and shortcomings of ADF and laminoplasty. ADF and laminoplasty showed similar results in terms of neurological recovery. Postoperative cervical lordosis was better preserved with ADF than with laminoplasty. However, ADF was associated with a higher incidence of surgical complications than laminoplasty.     

Comparison of anterior decompression with fusion and posterior decompression with fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy—A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe optimal surgical procedure for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) remains controversial. Recently, laminectomy/laminoplasty with instrumented fusion (LAMF) has been increasingly applied to treat CSM. However, few comprehensive studies have compared anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and LAMF. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence in the literature and to compare the surgical outcomes between the 2 procedures. Since the surgical outcomes and risks differ between patients with CSM and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) and between only posterior decompression and decompression with fusion treatments, we excluded patients with OPLL and patients with only posterior decompression in this review.MethodsAn extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies of ADF and LAMF for the treatment of CSM. The language was restricted to English, and the publication period was from January 2001 to July 2019. We only included studies about CSM and excluded studies that involved patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and with the treatment of posterior decompression without fusion. We extracted outcomes from the studies, such as preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, neck disability index (NDI) scores, cervical alignment data, and surgical complications. Then, a meta-analysis was performed on these surgical outcomes.ResultsEleven studies were obtained, and the quality of the studies was acceptable. In the meta-analysis, the pre- and postoperative JOA scores were similar between the ADF and LAMF groups. The ADF group exhibited more favorable results than the LAMF group in terms of postoperative cervical alignment and the NDI. Overall complications were similar between the ADF and LAMF groups; however, C5 palsy was more frequently observed in the LAMF group than in the ADF group.ConclusionsWhile the ADF and LAMF groups demonstrated similar results in terms of neurological recovery, postoperative cervical lordosis and NDI scores were more favorable with ADF than with LAMF. The overall complication rate was similar between the ADF and LAMF groups. Surgeons should understand the merits and shortcomings of both procedures when deciding on a surgical procedure.     

严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症前路和后路手术比较

目的 探讨前路和后路手术治疗严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的适应证选择、疗效及并发症.方法 2004年1月至2006年12月,手术治疗椎管狭窄率大于50%的严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症患者34例(男29例,女5例,平均57.2岁),前路采用椎体次全切除减压钛网植骨内固定术14例(男12例,女2例),后路采用椎板切除减压侧块螺钉固定术20例(男17例,女3例).比较两种手术方式患者的颈椎管矢状径、颈椎曲度、椎管狭窄率、骨化物分型、骨化物范围、脊髓压迫率等的差异.采用JOA评分评价患者术前、术后神经功能,并计算改善率.结果 影像学结果显示前路手术主要为范围在3个节段以内的局限型和分节型骨化患者,而后路手术主要为范围超过3节段的连续型和混合型骨化患者,骨化物的分型及范围是选择的主要依据.所有患者随访6个月～3年,平均1.5年.前路手术组JOA评分从术前平均(9.3+1.8)分提高至术后平均(14.2±1.3)分,平均改善率62.3%±15.2%;后路手术组JOA评分从术前平均(8.7+1.6)分提高至术后平均(11.4±1.2)分,平均改善率33.5%±12.7%.两组患者疗效差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论 对于骨化范围在3个节段以内的患者,前路手术是安全、有效的治疗方式,而后路手术则适用于范围超过3个节段的严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症患者.     

Anterior corpectomy versus posterior laminoplasty for multilevel cervical myelopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Surgical strategy for multilevel cervical myelopathy resulting from cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) or ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) still remains controversial. There are still questions about the relative benefit and safety of direct decompression by anterior corpectomy (CORP) versus indirect decompression by posterior laminoplasty (LAMP).

Objective

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the results of anterior CORP compared with posterior LAMP for patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies comparing anterior CORP with posterior LAMP for the treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy due to CSM or OPLL from 1990 to December 2012. An extensive search of literature was performed in Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane library. The quality of the studies was assessed according to GRADE. The following outcome measures were extracted: pre- and postoperative Japanese orthopedic association (JOA) score, neurological recovery rate (RR), surgical complications, reoperation rate, operation time and blood loss. Two reviewers independently assessed each study for quality and extracted data. Subgroup analysis was conducted according to the mean number of surgical segments.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included in this review, all of which were prospective or retrospective cohort studies with relatively low quality. The results indicated that the mean JOA score system for cervical myelopathy and the neurological RR in the CORP group were superior to those in the LAMP group when the mean surgical segments were <3, but were similar between the two groups in the case of the mean surgical segments equal to 3 or more. There was no statistical difference in the surgical complication rate between the two groups when the mean surgical segments <3, but were significantly higher incidences of surgical complications and complication-related reoperation in the CORP group compared with the LAMP group in the case of the mean surgical segments equal to 3 or more. Besides, the operation time in the CORP group was longer than that in the LAMP group, and the average blood loss was significantly more in the CORP group compared with the LAMP group.

Conclusion

Based on the results above, anterior CORP and fusion is recommended for the treatment of multilevel cervical myelopathy when the involved surgical segments were <3. Given the higher rates of surgical complications and complication-related reoperation and the higher surgical trauma associated with multilevel CORP, however, it is suggested that posterior LAMP may be the preferred method of treatment for multilevel cervical myelopathy when the involved surgical segments were equal to 3 or more. In addition, taking the limitations of this study into consideration, it was still not appropriate to draw a strong conclusion claiming superiority for CORP or LAMP. A well-designed, prospective, randomized controlled trial is necessary to provide objective data on the clinical results of both procedures.     

The relationship between preoperative cervical sagittal balance and clinical outcome of laminoplasty treated cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament patients

Background contextLaminoplasty is a common surgical method used to treat patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Although laminoplasty is preferred over traditional laminectomy, the factors affecting the complications and outcomes are unclear. Recently, sagittal balance indexes have been revealed to be predictors of clinical outcomes in patients with cervical degenerative diseases, but their relationships with laminoplasty-treated OPLL outcomes remains unknown.PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship of preoperative cervical sagittal balance indexes and clinical outcome in laminoplasty treated OPLL patients.Study designThis is a retrospective case study.Patient populationBetween January 2015 and January 2017, 181 consecutively included patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty for OPLL were enrolled (male:female ratio=126:75; mean age=60.2 years). Cervical spine lateral radiographs in neutral, flexion, and extension positions were taken before and 2 years after the surgery.Outcome measuresThe C2–C7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, C1–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), C2–C7 SVA, CGH (center of gravity of the head)-C7 SVA, cervical JOA (Japanese Orthopedic Association) score, and neck VAS (visual analogue scale) score were measured preoperatively and postoperatively at the 2-year follow-up.MethodsThe patients were divided into two groups according to changes in the lordotic angle or the recovery rate of the JOA score. The relationships between the postoperative lordosis loss or the clinical outcome and the preoperative variables, including the patient's age, JOA score, C2-C7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, C1-C7 SVA, C2-C7 SVA, and CGH-C7 SVA, were investigated.ResultsThe patients were divided into two groups according to the postoperative change in the C2-C7 Cobb angle. There were no differences in the age, preoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle, C1-C7 SVA, or C2-C7 SVA; there was only a difference in the preoperative CGH-C7 SVA and T1 slope level (p=.038, p=.042). The postoperative JOA and JOA recovery rate were related to the postoperative lordosis loss in cervical alignment (p=.048, p=.031). We again divided the patients into two groups according to the JOA recovery rate and found that only the preoperative CGH-C7 SVA and C1–C7 SVA were related to the neurological outcome (p=.011, p=.047). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher preoperative CGH-C7 SVA levels were significantly associated with decreases in the lordosis angle postoperatively and the clinical outcome (p=.018, OR=1.225; p=.034, OR=1.654). The ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis revealed that the proper cutoff value of preoperative CGH-C7 SVA for predicting the postoperative loss of lordosis and clinical outcomes is 3.8 cm.ConclusionPreoperative cervical sagittal balance indexes are related to the outcomes of OPLL patients after laminoplasty. Patients with high preoperative CGH-C7 SVA levels have a high probability of developing sagittal imbalances and neurological symptoms of the cervical spine, and this measurement can be used as a predictor of outcomes in laminoplasty-treated cervical OPLL patients.     

颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的手术治疗及前后路手术比较

目的总结分析手术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症（ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, OPLL）的结果,比较颈前路与颈后路手术治疗OPLL的优缺点。方法从2009年1月到2011年7月手术治疗颈椎OPLL患者22例,其中10例采用颈前路椎体次全切除＋骨化灶切除＋植骨钢板内固定术,12例采用颈后路全椎板切除减压术。比较前路与后路术前的基本因素（年龄、性别、随访时间、病程、骨化灶累计节段数、椎管狭窄率、术前日本骨科协会（Japanese orthopaedic association,JOA）评分）、手术时间、出血量、并发症及两组术后JOA评分、JOA评分改善率、手术优良率之间的差别。结果所有患者均获随访,平均随访时间22．5个月,最短9个月,最长38个月。a）手术前后JOA评分有显著性提高（P值小于0．001）,总计平均增加4．77分,前路组平均增加4．80分,后路组平均增加4．75分。b）JOA平均改善率为72．25％,前路平均改善率为73．26％,后路为71．40％。C）手术优良率为77．3％。前路优良率为80％,后路优良率为75％。d）颈前路、颈后路手术时间出血量差异无统计学意义。e）前路与后路两组术前的基本因素（年龄、性别、随访时间、病程、骨化灶累计节段数、椎管狭窄率、术前JOA评分）差异无统计学意义,比较两组术后JOA评分、JOA评分改善率及手术优良率,两组间差异亦无统计学意义,但是前路手术更容易发生脑脊液漏的并发症（2／10）,而后路无一例发生。结论对于颈椎OPLL患者,行颈前路椎体次全切除＋骨化灶切除＋植骨钢板内固定术或颈后路全椎板切除减压术的手术短期疗效是满意的。前路与后路手术疗效无明显差异,手术入路的选择应取决于不同患者的特点和外科医生的经验。     

手术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的效果及影响因素

目的:探讨手术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症(OPLL)的疗效及其影响因素.方法:2000年4月～2006年4月在我院接受手术治疗并得到随访的颈椎OPLL患者共53例,男性36例,女性17例.术前JOA评分3-12分,平均8.5±3.1分.神经症状出现时间2～81周,平均27.4±15.6周.选择术前压迫最重节段CT层面测量发育椎管面积、骨化韧带面积,计算出脊髓受压比率(骨化韧带面积/发育椎管面积),随访时测量同节段椎管扩大比率.30例采用单纯后路手术,13例行一期前后路手术,4例先行后路再行前路手术,6例单纯行前路减压.利用统计学分析软件SPSS 12.0将脊髓受压比率、术前JOA评分、手术后椎管扩大比率、手术方式选择、患者年龄、神经症状出现时间等因素与手术后JOA评分改善率进行多元相关分析.结果:随访29～101个月,平均46±16个月,术后1年JOA评分改善率为30%～72%,平均53.1%±11.4%,末次随访时JOA评分改善率为28%～68%,平均52.8%±10.5%;脊髓受压比率、术前JOA评分、手术时患者年龄与手术后JOA评分改善率之间存在相关关系,手术入路、症状持续时间、手术后椎管扩大比率与疗效无显著相关关系.结论:选择恰当的术式手术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症可取得较满意的临床效果,脊髓受压严重程度、患者年龄和术前神经功能状态与疗效有相关关系.     

多节段脊髓型颈椎病合并后纵韧带骨化症患者的手术方式探讨

目的探讨多节段脊髓型颈椎病合并局灶型后纵韧带骨化症患者手术入路的选择、不同手术方式及结果。方法本组56例多节段脊髓型颈椎病合并局灶型后纵韧带骨化症患者,18例施行前路椎体及病灶切除减压 髂骨或钛网植骨钢板内固定术。30例行后路全椎板减压 Axis侧块钢板固定 关节突植骨。前后路联合手术8例．3例后路术后一期联合前路手术,5例为后路术后症状改善不明显或症状有加重,二期行前路手术。所有病例随访2年以上,采用JOA评分,观察前路、后路和前后路联合3种手术入路的减压效果。结果随访56例,颈前路患者的手术改善率69．69%;颈后路患者的手术改善率65．04%;前后路联合患者的手术改善率75．25%。3种术式存在显著差别。并发症发生率以颈后路手术者最低。结论多节段脊髓型颈椎病合并局灶型后纵韧带骨化症患者手术效果虽然以前后路联合手术为最好,但并发症发生率也最高,而颈后路手术并发症发生率最低。因此应根据患者体质、病情以及影像学表现仔细分析。选择相应的手术方式。     

分期治疗颈椎黄韧带骨化合并后纵韧带骨化症

目的回顾性分析分期后前路手术治疗颈椎黄韧带骨化(ossification of ligamentum flavum,OLF)合并后纵韧带骨化(ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL)的临床疗效。方法完整随访手术治疗的颈椎OLF合并OPLL患者18例,一期行后路椎板成形术,术后严密观察6~9个月,一期术后症状改善有限,影像学检查发现前方骨化的韧带压迫脊髓,二期行前路椎体次全切除并切除骨化的韧带+植骨内固定术。术前、一期和二期术后行JOA评分并计算恢复率,测量颈椎前凸值,比较术前、术后颈椎前凸值、JOA评分和恢复率。结果椎板成形术后出现不全瘫痪症状加重者1例,C5神经根麻痹症状1例,脑脊液漏3例;二期前路手术后出现脑脊液漏2例,神经根麻痹2例,保守治疗后痊愈。平均随访时间26.3个月,术前JOA评分(7.2±1.3)分,颈椎前凸值(5.7±4.1)°;一期术后JOA评分(12.6±3.8)分,改善率为(51.6±19.3)%,颈椎前凸值(9.3±3.8)°;二期术后JOA评分(14.8±1.6)分,改善率为(72.7±13.4)%,颈椎前凸值(15.5±3.2)°。JOA评分、改善率以及颈椎前凸值在一期、二期术后与术前相比差异均有统计学意义,P0.05。结论分期后前路手术治疗可明显改善OLF合并OPLL患者术后JOA评分、恢复率和颈椎前凸值,是治疗OLF合并OPLL的一种良好方式。     

后路手术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的疗效分析

目的分析后路椎板切除融合固定术治疗颈椎后纵韧带骨化症（ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL）的疗效及并发症,并探讨二者的影响因素。方法2003年4月-2009年12月,采用后路椎板切除融合固定术治疗颈椎OPLL患者54例。采用日本骨科学会（Japanese Orthopedic Associmion,JOA）神经功能评分评价患者术前、术后神经功能,将患者分为疗效良好和疗效不佳2个组。分析患者年龄、性别、症状持续时间、术前JOA评分、是否合并糖尿病、颈椎曲度、椎管狭窄率、骨化物范围、骨化物分型、是否有脊髓高信号对患者手术疗效及并发症的影响。结果随访1—6年,平均3．3年。患者神经功能JOA评分从术前9．2±1．3分增加至术后14．2±0．9分,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）,神经功能改善率（improvement rate,IR）为（62．4±13．2）％。其中35例患者手术疗效良好（IR≥50％）,19例患者疗效不佳（IR〈50％）。术后并发症包括9例神经根麻痹和2例血肿压迫。影像学研究表明手术疗效良好患者术后颈椎曲度明显大于手术疗效不佳患者,差异有统计学意义（P〈0。01）,术后神经根麻痹患者的颈椎曲度矫正程度明显大于非麻痹患者,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论后路椎板切除融合固定术是一种适于治疗严重的多节段颈椎OPLL的手术方式,术中矫正患者颈椎曲度有利于提高手术疗效,但同时可能增加术后神经根麻痹的发生率。     

两种不同术式治疗合并颈椎后纵韧带骨化的重度脊髓型颈椎病疗效分析

目的探讨前路、后-前联合入路两种不同术式治疗合并颈椎后纵韧带骨化(Ossificationof posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL)的重度脊髓型颈椎病的适应证及临床疗效。方法对38例合并颈椎OPLL的重度脊髓型颈椎病患者分别行颈椎前路手术(A组,22例)和后-前联合入路手术(B组,16例)。比较两组患者椎管狭窄率、骨化节段及脊髓压迫率的差异,并根据术前及术后随访时的JOA评分,评价两组患者的神经功能恢复情况。结果所有病例随访12～30个月,平均20个月,术中未出现脊髓、椎动脉损伤等严重并发症,两组脊髓功能均获不同程度改善。A组JOA评分从术前平均(7.9+2.1)分提高至术后1年平均(13.1+1.7)分,平均改善率为(65.9+5.2)%;B组JOA评分从术前平均(6.8+1.6)分提高至术后1年平均(13.9+0.9)分,平均改善率为(69.8+4.5)%,对比两组患者疗效无统计学差异(P>0.05)。结论采用前路或后-前联合入路治疗合并颈椎OPLL的重度脊髓型颈椎病,均取得彻底的椎管减压和良好的临床疗效,根据脊髓受压程度、影像学资料、骨化范围及患者全身情况合理选择恰当的手术入路是手术成功的关键。     

节段型严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症前路、后路手术的疗效比较与选择策略

 目的 探讨前路和后路手术治疗节段型严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症的疗效与选择策略。方法 2007年1月至2011年5月,手术治疗59例节段型严重颈椎后纵韧带骨化症患者,男41例,女18例;年龄43～73岁,平均55.7岁。24例行前路椎体次全切减压植骨融合内固定术,35例行后路全椎板减压侧块螺钉内固定术。比较两组患者的手术时间、出血量、整体和节段曲度变化、并发症等情况;采用日本骨科协会评分(Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores,JOA)评估手术前后的神经功能并计算改善率。结果 所有患者随访12～18个月,平均15.4个月。前路手术组患者JOA评分术前平均为(7.33±1.09)分,末次随访时平均为(13.63±0.82)分,改善率为65.16%±7.50%;后路手术组患者JOA评分术前平均为(7.20±1.05)分,末次随访时平均为(12.23±1.11)分,改善率为51.46%±9.64%,两组间差异有统计学意义。手术部位的节段曲度术后即刻均较术前明显增加,前路手术组为5.38°±1.14°,后路手术组为3.89°±1.65°,差异有统计学意义。末次随访时颈部轴性症状发生率前路手术组为20.83%,后路手术组为51.43%,差异有统计学意义。结论 对于骨化范围在3个节段以内的严重后纵韧带骨化症患者,前路手术能直接去除压迫,神经功能恢复良好,并有效地恢复颈椎曲度,术后轴性症状发生率低;后路手术在减压同时应用侧块螺钉内固定,能较好地维持减压节段的曲度。     

Clinical results of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the thoracic spine treated by anterior decompression

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surgical outcomes and prognostic factors of thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) treated by anterior decompression. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The results of surgery for thoracic myelopathy caused by OPLL have been recognized as unfavorable. Anterior decompression is the logical treatment option for thoracic OPLL, but it is technically demanding and is associated with a high rate of complications. METHODS: Nineteen patients who underwent anterior decompression were included in this study. Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores and recovery rates were used to evaluate the outcomes. The relationship between the recovery rate and the following factors was investigated statistically: age, sex, duration of symptoms, preoperative JOA score, the degree of stenosis, the extent of decompression, the type of OPLL, the presence of signs of dural penetration, the presence of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, the presence of high signal intensity in the cord, and the presence of coexisting pathologies requiring surgical intervention. RESULTS: The final outcome was excellent in 4 (21.1%) patients, good in 2 (10.5%), fair in 7 (36.8%), unchanged in 4 (21.1%), and worsened in 2 (10.5%). The only statistically significant factor affecting outcomes was the preoperative JOA score. The complications included 2 (10.5%) patients with neurologic deterioration and 6 (31.6%) patients with cerebrospinal fluid leakage. CONCLUSIONS: We evaluated the outcomes and factors affecting the surgical outcomes of 19 patients with thoracic OPLL treated with anterior decompression. In this small series, we found that some patients undergoing anterior decompression for thoracic OPLL clinically improved, however, a significant percentage did not. Anterior decompression is technically demanding and is associated with a high rate of complications. When poor preoperative JOA scores and immediate postoperative neurologic deterioration are present, poor outcomes may be expected.     

Cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament: Anterior versus posterior approach

Background:

The optimal approach to provide satisfactory decompression and minimize complications for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) involving multiple levels (3 levels or more) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the results of two surgical approaches for cervical OPLL involving multiple levels; anterior direct decompression and fixation, and posterior indirect decompression and fixation. We present a retrospective review of 56 cases followed at a single Institution.

Materials and Methods:

We compared patients of multiple levels cervical OPLL that were treated at a single institution either with anterior direct decompression and fixation or with posterior indirect decompression and fixation. The clinical records of the patients with a minimum duration of follow-up of 2 years were reviewed. The associated complications were recorded.

Results:

Fifty-six patients constitute the clinical material. 26 cases were treated by anterior corpectomy and fixation and 30 cases received posterior laminectomy and fixation. The two populations were similar. It was found that both anterior and posterior decompression and fixation can achieve satisfactory outcomes, and posterior surgery was accomplished in a shorter period of time with lesser blood loss. Although patients had comparable preoperative Japanese Orthopaedics Association (JOA) scores, those with a canal occupancy by OPLL more than 50% and managed anteriorly had better outcomes. However, for those with more severe stenosis, anterior approach was more difficult and associated with higher risks and complications. Despite its limitations in patients with high occupancy OPLLs, through the multiple level laminectomy, posterior fixation can achieve effective decompression, maintaining or restoring stability of the cervical spine, and thereby improving neural outcome and preventing the progression of OPLL.

Conclusions:

The posterior indirect decompression and fixation has now been adopted as the primary treatment for cervical OPLL involving multiple levels with the canal occupancy by OPLL <50% at our institution because this approach leads to significantly less implant failures. Those patients with the occupancy ≥50% managed with anterior approach surgeries had better outcomes, but approach was more difficult and associated with higher risk and complications.     

Long-term follow-up results of anterior interbody fusion applied for cervical myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

STUDY DESIGN: A long-term follow-up study was carried out in 30 patients who underwent anterior interbody fusion for cervical myelopathy associated with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether anterior interbody fusion without decompression is an appropriate surgical method for long-term relief of cervical OPLL myelopathy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Several studies of operative results after posterior decompression for cervical myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament have been reported. There has been no report about anterior interbody fusion without decompression. The postoperative results of this treatment method applied in cervical OPLL myelopathy have been evaluated by the authors of the present study for more than 10 years. No reports on such a long-term follow-up study have been published in the literature. METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent anterior interbody fusion for cervical OPLL myelopathy were evaluated clinically and radiographically. The mean follow-up period was 14.7 years (range, 10-23 years). RESULTS: Clinical results were evaluated according to Okamoto's classification. At the time of the final follow-up evaluation, 16 patients had improved in functional score by two grades, and their surgical results were regarded as excellent; eight patients improved by one grade, and their clinical outcomes were regarded as good; five patients showed no change; and the condition of one patient deteriorated. As for radiographic analysis, the type of ossification had changed in four cases. Ossification width and thickness increased in 26 patients. Postoperative alignment of the cervical spine showed kyphosis in three patients, straight spine in 11 patients, and lordosis in 16 patients. CONCLUSION: Anterior interbody fusion without decompression is an effective treatment for cervical OPLL myelopathy that resulted in stable long-lasting conditions.     

颈椎病伴椎管狭窄患者再手术问题探讨

目的：探讨颈椎病伴椎管狭窄患者再手术的原因、手术方式及其相关问题。方法：我院2002年7月～2003年12月对40例颈椎病伴椎管狭窄术后疗效不佳或症状复发的患者进行了后路多节段（5个或以上）减压手术。根据其手术治疗方式及影像学资料分析再手术原因，并进行术后疗效评价。结果：经前路手术者再手术的主要原因为：（1）伴有多节段颈椎管狭窄因素时，只选择部分压迫重的节段行减压融合15例；（2）经前路多节段（≥3个节段）减压融合后，相邻节段继续退变，出现新的脊髓压迫表现及椎间不稳定9例；（3）伴有OPLL时，行部分节段前路减压融合后，病变呈进展表现，产生或加重对脊髓的压迫8例。经后路手术者再手术的原因为：（1）后路减压节段不够5例（包括1例前后路联合手术者）；（2）后路减压不充分3例。再手术后随访1．3～2．7年，平均2．1年，所有患者脊髓功能获得一定的提高，JOA评分改善率为51．3％。结论：颈椎病伴椎管狭窄病例再手术的主要原因为椎管狭窄因素仍然存在，经后路多节段（5个或以上）减压手术治疗可彻底去除颈椎管狭窄因素，有效解除脊髓前、后方所受的压迫，可获得较满意的临床疗效。     

颈椎后纵韧带骨化症术后骨化进展分析

目的 研究颈椎后纵韧带骨化(ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament,OPLL)症术后骨化进展情况.方法 对2001年1月至2007年12月手术治疗的95例颈椎OPLL患者进行回顾性研究,男72例,女23例;年龄40～73岁,平均56.3岁;随访时间1～6年,平均3.1年.颈椎前路手术36例,颈椎后路全椎板减压固定手术57例,前后路联合手术2例.根据术前、术后随访时的X线、CT及MR影像学资料对骨化进展情况进行测量,并通过统计分析性别、年龄、涉及C3OPLL、伴胸椎OPLL、骨化类型、随访时间、手术方式、日本矫形外科学会评分(Japanese orthopaedic association scores,JOA评分)及改善率与骨化术后进展的关系.结果 95例颈椎OPLL术后随访患者中,术后骨化进展39例,男28例,女11例;手术时年龄41～71岁,平均55.9岁;年龄≤49岁12例,50～59岁12例,60～69岁12例,年龄≥70岁3例.颈椎OPLL后路手术后骨化进展有35例,而前路手术后骨化进展仅4例.以骨化物长度和(或)厚度进展≥2mm为标准,单纯骨化长度进展4例;骨化长度、厚度均进展33例;单纯骨化厚度进展2例.骨化长度进展2～20 mm,平均(7.74±4.71)mm;骨化厚度进展2～6 mm,平均(2.67±1.51)mm.在术后1～3年内骨化进展速度呈下降趋势,4～6年骨化则有部分加速趋势.JOA评分及其改善率在术后3年内达到最佳值.统计结果 显示颈椎OPLL术后骨化进展与患者年龄、手术方式以及涉及C3OPLL明显相关.结论 颈椎OPLL术后骨化进展有相当的发生率,涉及C3OPLL、行颈椎后路全椎板切除手术、年轻的颈椎OPLL患者其骨化进展率相对较高.在中短期(1～6年)随访时间内,JOA评分及其改善率受骨化进展影响不大.