Expansive laminoplasty for myelopathy in ossification of the longitudinal ligament

Laminectomy, which had long been used for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, including ossification of the longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine, had numerous complications such as postoperative malalignment of the cervical spine and vulnerability of the spinal cord caused by total removal of the posterior structures. In 1977 Hirabayashi devised an open door expansive laminoplasty, which is a relatively easier and safer procedure than laminectomy, that eliminated such problems by preserving the posterior elements. The decompression effect of the expansive laminoplasty against a compressed spinal cord is comparable with that of laminectomy and anterior decompression followed by fusion, whereas the expansive laminoplasty has no structural problems and adverse effects on adjacent disc levels that often are associated with anterior decompression followed by fusion. Average recovery rate of expansive laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy has been reported to be approximately 60% (Japanese Orthopaedic Association score) and with long term stability. At present, authors consider all patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy candidates for expansive laminoplasty except for those having preoperative kyphosis and single level lesion without canal stenosis. Two remaining problems of expansive laminoplasty to be solved are prevention of C5,C6 radicular pain and/or paresis, the most frequent complication that occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of the patients, although most complications resolve spontaneously within 2 years, and correction of nonlordotic alignment to lordosis which are essential for posterior decompression effect of expansive laminoplasty by allowing the spinal cord to shift dorsally.     

A comparative study of surgical outcomes between anterior cervical discectomy with fusion and selective laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BackgroundFew studies have directly compared anterior and posterior surgical approaches in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients with short-segment disease. We aimed to examine and compare surgical outcomes of anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) and selective laminoplasty (S-LAMP) in CSM patients with 1- or 2-level disease.MethodsForty-six patients, who received surgeries for CSM, were prospectively investigated; 24 underwent ACDF and 22 underwent S-LAMP. Average follow-up was 3.5 years. The following pre- and postoperative radiographic measurements were recorded: (1) C2-7 angle, (2) local angle (lordotic Cobb angle at operative level), (3) cervical sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (center of gravity of the head-C7 SVA), and (4) C7 slope. Outcomes were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system for cervical myelopathy (C-JOA score), neck pain visual analog scale, and neck disability index (NDI).ResultsThere were no significant differences in patient demographics between the two groups. Postoperatively, C2-7 angle, local angle, cervical SVA, C7 slope, C-JOA score, and neck pain and NDI scores were not significantly different between the two groups; however, the recovery rate of the C-JOA score was superior in the ACDF group (57.5%) compared to the S-LAMP group (42.1%). The recovery rate of the C-JOA score in the local lordosis subgroup (local angle ≥ 0°) showed no significant difference between the two surgical groups. However, in the local kyphosis subgroup (local angle < 0°), C-JOA score recovery rate was worse after S-LAMP (20.4%) than ACDF (57.9%); local angle also worsened postoperatively after S-LAMP.ConclusionsIn patients with local lordosis at the segments of cervical spondylosis and spinal cord compression, S-LAMP showed equivalent surgical outcomes (neurological recovery, neck pain and NDI scores, and cervical alignment) to ACDF. However, in patients with local kyphosis, S-LAMP worsened the kyphosis and resulted in worse neurological recovery.     

Surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy with anterior compression: a review of 67 cases

OBJECT: In patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), ventral disease and loss of cervical lordosis are considered to be relative indications for anterior surgery. However, anterior decompression and fusion operations may be associated with an increased risk of swallowing difficulty and an increased risk of nonunion when extensive decompression is performed. The authors reviewed cases involving patients with CSM treated via an anterior approach, paying special attention to neurological outcome, fusion rates, and complications. METHODS: Retrospectively, 67 cases involving consecutive patients with CSM requiring an anterior decompression were reviewed: 46 patients underwent anterior surgery only (1-to3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion [ACDF] or 1-level corpectomy), and 21 patients who required > 3-level ACDF or > or = 2-level corpectomy underwent anterior surgery supplemented by a posterior instrumented fusion procedure. RESULTS: Postoperative improvement in Nurick grade was seen in 43 (93%) of 46 patients undergoing anterior decompression and fusion alone (p < 0.001) and in 17 (81%) of 21 patients undergoing anterior decompression and fusion with supplemental posterior fusion (p = 0.0015). The overall complication rate for this series was 25.4%. Interestingly, the overall complication rate was similar for both the lone anterior surgery and combined anterior-posterior groups, but the incidence of adjacent-segment disease was greater in the lone anterior surgery group. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvement in Nurick grade can be achieved in patients who undergo anterior surgery for cervical myelopathy for primarily ventral disease or loss of cervical lordosis. In selected high-risk patients who undergo multilevel ventral decompression, supplemental posterior fixation and arthrodesis allows for low rates of construct failure with acceptable added morbidity.     

分节段减压与椎体次全切治疗多节段颈椎病的疗效比较

目的比较分节段减压融合术与传统椎体次全切除融合术在治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的中远期临床疗效,并评估其相关影响因素。方法回顾性总结2006年6月至2011年6月行分节段减压融合术(A组)与前路椎体次全切除减压融合术(B组)联合髂骨取骨植骨治疗多节段颈椎病52例。比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、住院天数;术后随访并通过影像学测量融合节段前凸角度、全颈椎生理曲度和颈椎矢状面的活动度(range of motion,ROM),同时评估植骨融合程度、融合节段高度的变化以及相邻节段退变情况;采用日本矫形外科学会(Japanese orthopaedic association,JOA)评分系统评估其神经功能恢复情况。结果术中B组的出血量明显大于A组,但手术时间少于A组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。52例患者均获得有效随访,平均随访时间为3.2年(1.2~5年)。术后6个月内JOA评分及改善率两组间无明显差异;12个月后B组明显降低。两组术后融合节段高度较术前明显增高(P0.05),其中B组平均增加值最明显,术后12个月B组高度丢失明显。术后两组ROM都明显下降,而融合节段Cobb角及全颈椎曲度与术前比较增加明显(P0.05)。术后两组脊髓减压程度相仿。结论分节段减压融合术与传统椎体次全切除融合术两种手术方式在治疗多节段颈椎病的早期均可获得满意的临床效果,但选择性椎体次全切除分节段减压植骨融合合并颈椎前路长节段钛板固定的手术方式中远期效果更可靠。     

伴交感神经症状的脊髓型颈椎病前路手术中切除后纵韧带的早期疗效研究

 目的 探讨颈前路人工颈椎间盘置换手术及融合手术中是否去除后纵韧带对治疗伴交感神经症状的脊髓型颈椎病早期疗效的影响。方法 2005年1月至2011年7月,57例伴交感神经症状的脊髓型颈椎病患者分别接受人工颈椎间盘置换手术(置换组,21例)或颈前路减压植骨融合内固定手术(融合组,36例);每组再依据术中是否去除后纵韧带分为去除组(置换去除组,13例;融合去除组,23例)和保留组(置换保留组,8例;融合保留组,13例)。分别在术前、术后第9　天、3、6及12个月评价患者的交感神经症状(20分评分法评估)改善情况、日本矫形外科协会评分(Japanese Orthopedic Association, JOA)、健康调查生活质量量表(the MOS item short from health survey, SF-36)、人工椎间盘假体及植骨融合的稳定性。结果　无论采用颈椎间盘置换还是融合手术,术中是否去除后纵韧带,患者的交感神经症状评分、JOA评分、SF-36评分等术后均较术前有明显改善。融合成功率为100%;人工椎间盘假体位置稳定,未见松动、移位。无论是采用颈椎间盘置换手术还是融合手术,术中去除后纵韧带患者的手术疗效优于保留后纵韧带者。结论 无论采用人工颈椎间盘置换还是融合手术治疗伴交感神经症状的脊髓型颈椎病,术中去除后纵韧带较保留后纵韧带可使患者症状得到更好地缓解,早期效果更好。     

Analysis of cervical spine curvature in patients with cervical spondylosis

Computer-aided design techniques were used to analyze the degree of spinal curvature shown on cervical spine radiograms of 28 patients. On films standardized as to size, a geometrical chord was constructed from the 2nd to the 7th cervical vertebrae (C2 to C7), and an arc was drawn along the posterior margin of the vertebrae. The resulting area was used as an index of curvature, and the spinal canal diameter was measured. Severity of myelopathy as well as clinical improvement was related to the geometrical data. There was no clear correlation between severity of the preoperative myelopathy and degree of curvature. Severe myelopathy was seen in association with straight, lordotic, and hyperlordotic spines. Neck pain was most severe in patients with reversed cervical curvature. The degree of curvature, however, seems to relate to the postoperative clinical outcome. Patients with relatively normal curvature showed the greatest improvement in symptoms and signs. Postoperative magnetic resonance scanning confirms that posterior migration of the spinal cord after laminectomy may be inadequate to clear osteophytes in patients with straightened or reversed curvature of the cervical spine. Spinal geometry should be considered in the selection of the best surgical procedure and the extent of laminectomy for patients with spondylotic myelopathy. Significant abnormalities of spinal curvature may account for some instances of poor outcome after laminectomy.     

A comparison of anterior cervical fusion, cervical laminectomy, and cervical laminoplasty for the surgical management of multiple level spondylotic radiculopathy

The risks and success of surgery for multiple level cervical spondylotic radiculopathy differs from that of single level disease. The problems associated with multiple level anterior fusion over single level fusion include higher pseudoarthrosis rates than that associated with single level disease. Bilateral and multiple level laminectomy carries the risk of potential instability. Cervical laminoplasty, until recently, has only been performed for myelopathy secondary to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) or cervical stenosis. The purpose of this report is to compare the results and complications of 45 patients with a least a 2-year follow-up who had undergone anterior fusion, cervical laminectomy, or cervical laminoplasty for the surgical management of multiple level cervical radiculopathy due to cervical spondylosis. 18 patients (58 levels) underwent anterior fusion, 12 patients (38 levels) had a cervical laminectomy, and 15 patients (57 levels) underwent a cervical laminoplasty. Roentgenograms indicated spinal stenosis (sagittal diameter less than 12 mm) at 28 levels (15 patients) for the anterior fusion group, 14 levels (9 patients) in the laminectomy group, and 24 levels (13 patients) in the laminoplasty group. Subluxation (2 mm or less) was present at 14 levels (13 patients) in the anterior fusion group, nine levels (9 patients) in the laminectomy group, and 15 levels (8 patients) in the laminoplasty group. Loss of lordosis was present in eight patients undergoing anterior fusion, six patients undergoing laminectomy, and six patients who had a laminoplasty.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy: treatment with posterior decompression and Luque rectangle bone fusion

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy appears to result from a combination of factors. The two major components are 1) compressive forces resulting from narrowing of the spinal canal, and 2) dynamic forces owing to mobility of the cervical spine. There is substantial evidence to suggest that the repetitive trauma to the spinal cord that is sustained with movement in a spondylotic canal may be a major cause of progressive myelopathy. Utilization of extensive anterior procedures that remove the diseased ventral features as well as eliminate the dynamic forces owing to the accompanying fusion have grown in popularity. Cervical laminectomy enlarges the spinal canal, but does not reduce the dynamic forces affecting the spinal cord, and may actually increase cervical mobility, leading to a perpetuation of the myelopathy. The authors propose the combination of posterior decompression and Luque rectangle bone fusion to deal with both the compressive and the dynamic factors that lead to cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Ten patients who had advanced myelopathy underwent the combined procedures. Nine of the 10 experienced significant neurological improvement, and the 10th has had no progression. The combination of posterior decompression and Luque rectangle bone fusion may offer a simple, safe, and effective alternative treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.     

自锁式椎间融合器在一期后前路联合手术治疗脊髓型颈椎病中的应用(2年随访)

[目的]分析一期颈椎后路单开门椎管成型、前路椎间减压、自锁式椎间融合器自体植骨椎间融合术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的疗效.[方法]2006年9月～ 2008年4月,采用一期颈椎后路单开门椎管成型、前路椎间减压、自锁式椎间融合器自体植骨椎间融合术连续治疗脊髓型颈椎病52例;前路椎间减压单节段23例、双节段29例.记录患者术前及术后的JOA评分,在颈椎侧位X线片上测量椎间隙高度、椎间前凸角、颈椎前凸角的变化.[结果] 52例共随访24～40个月(平均30个月).52例患者在术后2周内均感到神经症状明显好转;没有发生手术相关并发症.术后6个月随访时,所有患者主诉四肢感觉、肌力、活动均较前明显改善,颈椎X线检查可见椎间已融合,椎间高度及生理曲度完好,无融合器移位、下沉、断裂发生.平均JOA评分由术前(7.3±0.5)分,提高到术后6个月(14.1±0.7)分,术后12个月(14.7±0.6)分,术后24个月(14.9±1.2)分;术后6个月随访时的JOA评分改善率:优21例,良25例,可6例,术后12个月及术后24个月时的JOA评分改善率与术后6个月无明显改变.[结论]采用一期颈椎后路单开门椎管成型、前路椎间减压、自锁式椎间融合器自体植骨椎间融合术治疗脊髓型颈椎病能获得颈髓前后方的充分减压及满意的临床疗效,能获得满意的颈椎曲度、稳定性重建及椎间融合.     

Bioabsorbable anterior cervical plate fixation for single-level degenerative disorders: early clinical and radiographic experience

Background context

Increased fusion rates have been reported with the addition of an anterior cervical plate (ACP) to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Bioabsorbable implants have become increasingly used in orthopedic and spine surgical procedures. There are limited data regarding the outcomes of bioabsorbable ACP (bACP) with ACDF.

Purpose

To compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing ACDF for single-level degenerative disorders with a bACP versus a conventional metal ACP (mACP).

Study design

Retrospective comparative cohort study.

Patient sample

Thirty-one patients undergoing ACDF for a single-level degenerative disorder (ie, disc herniation or spondylotic neural compression).

Outcome measures

Incidence of early (within 2 weeks) complications, postoperative sagittal alignment, Odom’s criteria, and pseudarthrosis rate.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the results of a consecutive series of patients undergoing ACDF for symptomatic single-level disc herniation or spondylotic neural compression with either a bACP or an mACP over a 3-year period. Operative notes, clinical charts, and radiographs were analyzed. Radiographic outcomes were assessed for intersegmental alignment, graft subsidence, fusion rate, prevertebral soft-tissue shadow, and graft containment. Clinical outcome was evaluated by Odom’s criteria.

Results

Fourteen patients underwent ACDF with a bACP and 15 with an mACP. Radiographic outcomes at the most recent follow-up demonstrated pseudarthrosis in 4 of 14 patients (29%) in the bACP group and 0 of 15 patients in the mACP group. Graft extrusion and anterior displacement was present in three of four pseudarthroses (75%). Comparing preoperative and final radiographs, cervical lordosis was maintained at the operative segment in only 3 of 14 bACP patients (21%) compared with 8 of 15 patients (53%) in the mACP group. The mean Cobb angle was 2.4°±1.9° lordosis in the mACP group and −2.7°±2.5° kyphosis in the bACP group (p=.12). In the mACP group, 14 of 15 patients had good or excellent results. In the bACP group, only 7 of 14 patients had good or excellent results.

Conclusions

Bioabsorbable ACP fixation was associated with a high rate of graft extrusion and early loss of intersegmental cervical alignment. Inferior clinical outcomes were observed in patients in the bACP group compared with the mACP group. Based on these findings, continued use of the bACP used in this study cannot be recommended.     

颈前路减压cage融合术与自体髂骨块植骨钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期疗效

目的:观察颈椎前路减压cage植骨融合术与颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期临床疗效。方法:2001年1月～2006年4月128例脊髓型颈椎病患者按照手术方式分为A、B两组,A组61例患者采用前路减压单纯PEEK cage植骨融合术治疗,其中病变节段与手术节段均为单节段22例,双节段39例;B组67例采用颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术,其中单节段27例,双节段40例。观察手术前后JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度情况。结果:A组手术时间为58.1±1.4min,术中出血量为42.4±2.0ml,B组分别为72.0±5.3min、82.7±3.9ml,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。A组23例(39.3%)出现一过性咽部不适,1例硬脊膜破裂,2例cage塌陷、移位;B组49例(73.1%)出现一过性咽部不适,1例硬脊膜破裂,5例髂骨供区痛,2例钉板松动。每组患者术后JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度均较术前明显改善(P<0.05),A、B组术后JOA评分改善率分别为(82.30±6.61)%和(83.80±4.42)%,组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访24～60个月,平均36个月,末次随访时A、B组椎间融合率分别为95.2%和96.3%,两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);末次随访时每组JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度与术后比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术前、术后和末次随访时JOA评分、椎间高度和颈椎曲度两组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:颈椎前路减压cage植骨融合术与颈椎前路减压自体髂骨块植骨融合钛板内固定术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的中期疗效均较好,但前者手术方法简单、近期并发症少。     

Kinematics after cervical laminoplasty: risk factors for cervical kyphotic deformity after laminoplasty

BACKGROUND CONTEXTLaminoplasty of the cervical spine is widely used as an effective surgical method to treat compressive myelopathy of the cervical spine; however, there is an adverse effect of kyphosis after surgery. The risk factors or predictors of kyphosis have not been sufficiently evaluated.PURPOSETo assess the risk factors for kyphosis following laminoplasty.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective study.PATIENT SAMPLEPatients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) or ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) who underwent laminoplasty between May 2011 and October 2018 were enrolled.OUTCOME MEASURESChanges in lordosis and range of motion (ROM).METHODSRadiological imaging data were collected from simple neutral and flexion-extension radiographs at baseline and at 2-year follow-up. The ROM from the neutral position to complete flexion was defined as the flexion capacity, and the ROM from the neutral position to complete extension was defined as the extension capacity.RESULTSThis study included 53 patients (mean age, 59.3 years). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that, the smaller the preoperative extension capacity, the greater was the decrease in lordosis (p=.025), while the larger the T1 slope, the greater was the decrease in lordosis following laminoplasty (p= .008). Correlation analysis revealed that C2-7 lordosis increased with increasing baseline T1 slope before surgery (p< .01). In patients with large preoperative C2-7 lordosis, the postoperative decrease in ROM tended to be greater (p= .028). However, the degree of lordosis and ROM reduction did not demonstrate a clear correlation with the clinical outcomes at 2 years after surgery.CONCLUSIONSKyphotic changes in the cervical spine following laminoplasty were related to preoperative radiological parameters. The greater the preoperative extension capacity, the lower was the decrease in lordosis, and the greater the T1 slope, the greater was the decrease in lordosis.     

Surgical strategy for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament is a common cause of cervical myelopathy, and controversy remains regarding surgical options. Between January 2004 and December 2007, a total of 164 patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine who underwent surgical treatment at the authors' institution were included in this study. The choice of surgical option was based on pathological extent and cervical alignment. Short-segment pathology was treated via the anterior approach and long-segment pathology via the posterior approach. When the posterior approach was selected, laminoplasty was performed for the patients with cervical lordosis and laminectomy with fusion for those with cervical kyphosis. Consequently, anterior corpectomy and fusion was performed in 91 patients, laminoplasty in 41 patients, and laminectomy and instrumented fusion in 32 patients. The Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system was used to evaluate patients' neurological status, and related complications were also recorded. Clinical results between different approaches and techniques were compared at mid-term follow-up.Based on the results of this study and a review of previous literature, no significant differences existed between different approaches and techniques for patients with mild ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, but anterior corpectomy and fusion had significantly better results in patients with severe ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. With respect to the posterior approach, laminectomy and instrumented fusion improved the surgical results of patients with cervical kyphosis, but a high incidence of C5 palsy existed simultaneously.     

Long-term outcome for surgically treated cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myelopathy

Long-term follow-up results were examined to verify the efficacy of anterior osteophytectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy, in particular the outcome for patients with developmentally narrow cervical canals and patients with associated ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). One hundred thirty-nine patients who had undergone anterior osteophytectomy with interbody fusion between 1976 and 1990 were followed up for 1 to 22.5 years (mean 11.4 years). Overall results evaluated by the neurosurgical cervical spine scale scoring and grading showed significant improvement in both improvement score (2.7 +/- 2.3) and improvement rate (52.3 +/- 45.7%). Lower extremity motor function improved in 66.1% of patients, upper extremity motor function in 82.0%, and sensory/pain function in 70.5%. Improvement ranged from one to three grades. Severely affected patients showed good recovery. Outcome for patients with narrow cervical canals (41 patients, 29.5%) did not differ significantly from that for patients with normal canals (98, 70.5%). Patients with associated OPLL (32 patients, 23.0%) had approximately the same outcomes as those with only spondylosis (107, 77.0%). Fifteen patients (10.8%) underwent reoperation because of myelopathy due to disc degeneration adjacent to the fused level (11 patients) or OPLL (4 patients). Anterior osteophytectomy with interbody fusion can achieve good outcomes in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy, regardless of the size of the spinal canal and association with OPLL.     

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。     

两种不同颈前路固定系统治疗双节段脊髓型颈椎病早期临床效果观察

目的 比较颈椎前路椎间盘切除减压术(Anterior cervical decompression and fusion operation,ACDF)术中使用ROI-C零切迹自稳型颈椎融合器与钛板联合cage治疗双节段脊髓型颈椎病的临床疗效.方法 回顾性分析自2018-01-2019-12诊治的83例双节段脊髓型颈椎...     

Long-term results of tension-band laminoplasty for cervical stenotic myelopathy: a ten-year follow-up

We reviewed 75 patients (57 men and 18 women), who had undergone tension-band laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (42 patients) or compression myelopathy due to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (33 patients) and had been followed for more than ten years. Clinical and functional results were estimated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. The rate of recovery and the level of postoperative axial neck pain were also recorded. The pre- and post-operative alignment of the cervical spine (Ishihara curve index indicating lordosis of the cervical spine) and the range of movement (ROM) of the cervical spine were also measured. The mean rate of recovery of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score at final follow-up was 52.1% (SD 24.6) and significant axial pain was reported by 19 patients (25.3%). Axial pain was reported more frequently in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament than in those with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (p = 0.027). A kyphotic deformity was not seen post-operatively in any patient. The mean ROM decreased post-operatively from 32.8° (SD 12.3) to 16.2° (SD 12.3) (p < 0.001). The mean ROM ratio was 46.9% (SD 28.1) for all the patients. The mean ROM ratio was lower in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament than in those with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (p < 0.001). Compared to those with cervical spondylotic myelopathy, patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament had less ROM and more post-operative axial neck pain.     

不同手术方式对多节段连续型脊髓型颈椎病的疗效分析

目的探讨不同手术方式对多节段连续型脊髓型颈椎病疗效的影响。方法选取多节段连续型脊髓型颈椎病48例,排除畸形和创伤病例。根据颈椎曲度不同,分为颈椎曲度正常组和异常组;根据所采取的手术方式不同,分为单间隙减压融合结合椎体次全切除术组、连续椎体次全切除术组以及全椎板切除术组;以术前、术后JOA评分为评估指标进行对比研究。结果在3组术前JOA评分差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）的情况下,单间隙结合椎体次全切除术组术后JOA评分与其他2组相比,差异均有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。在颈椎曲度正常组中,连续椎体次全切除术组与全椎板切除术组术后JOA评分差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;颈椎曲度异常组中,连续椎体次全切除术组与全椎板切除术组术后JOA评分比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论不同的手术方式对多节段连续型脊髓型颈椎病的疗效不同。在没有手术禁忌的情况下．颈椎前路手术特别是单间隙减压融合结合椎体次全切除术具有更好的手术疗效．     

Correlation between cervical spine sagittal alignment and clinical outcome after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Studies have shown that maintenance of lordosis improves outcomes after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The relationship between maintenance or restoration of lordosis after ACDF and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures has not been evaluated. Preoperative and 2-year postoperative cervical lordosis (C2-C7) and segmental lordosis were measured from upright lateral cervical spine radiographs in patients who had ACDF. Data on the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Short- Form-36 Physical Composite Summary Score, arm, and neck pain scores were also collected. Paired t-tests were used to compare preoperative and 2-year postoperative radiographic measures and HRQOL measures. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to identify sagittal parameters that predict achievement of a Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID) in outcome measures. One hundred one patients (75 female; mean age, 52 years) were included. There was improvement in all HRQOL measures from preoperative to 2 years postoperative. There was no significant difference in preoperative and 2-year postoperative sagittal alignment. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a postoperative cervical lordosis of at least 6° predicted achievement of MCID for NDI (8 point change in NDI). This suggests that maintenance or restoration of overall cervical lordosis is important in achieving a successful result after ACDF.     

The effect of surgical immobilization after laminectomy in the treatment of advanced cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Summary Surgical immobilization of the cervical spine after laminectomy is proposed for the treatment of severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) occurring with diffuse stenosis of the spinal canal (congenital or acquired).In 20 consecutive patients showing advanced CSM and cord compression at various levels, a laminectomy with posterior fixation was made, in most cases with the aid of a metal plate. In the evaluation of the severity of the myelopathy a slight modification of the Nurick scale was used.With the exception of three patients who developed complications unrelated to the technique, the results were very good as demonstrated by the long lasting improvement in the performance of the patients.The results emphasize the role which mechanical factors may play both, in the genesis of the disease and in the failures of the plain laminectomy.