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.     

Long-term results of double-door laminoplasty using hydroxyapatite spacers in patients with compressive cervical myelopathy

No previous studies have reported 10-year follow-up results for double-door laminoplasty using hydroxyapatite (HA) spacers. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the long-term results of double-door laminoplasty using HA spacers and to determine if non-union or breakage of HA spacers is related to restenosis of the enlarged cervical canal. The study group consisted of 68 patients with a minimum of 10 years of follow-up after double-door laminoplasty using HA spacers. The average postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score improved significantly after surgery and was maintained until the final follow-up. The average range of motion decreased by 42.6% in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and 65.8% in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The enlarged cervical canal area was preserved almost until the final follow-up. The average non-union rates of HA spacers were 21% in CSM and 17% in OPLL, and the average breakage rates were 24 in CSM and 21% in OPLL at the final follow-up. Although non-union and breakage of HA spacers were common, neither of these factors were correlated with restenosis of the enlarged cervical canal.     

Expansive open-door laminoplasty for cervical spinal stenotic myelopathy

Although the operative results have been improving since the air drill was introduced for cervical laminectomy instead of an ordinary rongeur, post-laminectomy complications, such as postoperative fragility of the cervical spine to acute neck trauma, posterior spur formation at the vertebral body, and malalignment of the lateral curvature have still remained as unsolved problems. In order to avoid these disadvantages, a new surgical technique called "expansive open-door laminoplasty" was devised by the author in 1977, which is relatively easier, safer, and better than the ordinary laminectomy from the standpoint of structural mechanics of the cervical spine. The operative procedure is described in detail. Operative results in the patients with cervical OPLL, spondylosis, and canal stenosis were satisfactory, and optimal widening of the AP diameter of the spinal canal is considered to be over 4 mm. From this procedure a bilateral, open-door laminoplasty has been devised for extensive exploration at the intradural space.     

Alternating cervical laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

We present a novel method of performing an 'open-door' cervical laminoplasty. The complete laminotomy is sited on alternate sides at successive levels, thereby allowing the posterior arch to be elevated to alternate sides. Foraminotomies can be carried out on either side to relieve root compression. The midline structures are preserved. We undertook this procedure in 23 elderly patients with a spondylotic myelopathy. Each was assessed clinically and radiologically before and after their operation. Follow-up was for a minimum of three years (mean 4.5 years; 3 to 7). Using the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system, the mean pre-operative score was 8.1 (6 to 10), which improved post-operatively to a mean of 12.7 (11 to 14). The mean percentage improvement was 61% (50% to 85.7%) after three years. The canal/vertebral body ratio improved from a mean of 0.65 (0.33 to 0.73) pre-operatively to 0.94 (0.5 to 1.07) postoperatively. Alternating cervical laminoplasty can be performed safely in elderly patients with minimal morbidity and good results.     

单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病远期疗效

目的探讨单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病的远期疗效。方法回顾分析我院自1992-1999年采用单开门椎管扩大成形术治疗的多节段脊髓型颈椎病患者85例的临床资料。结果平均随访7.5年(5～12年),术前JOA评分9.3±0.4,术后JOA评分11.4±0.4,末次随访JOA评分14.3±0.5,神经功能改善率65.2%。随着术前病程的延长,术后改善率逐步下降。结论单开门椎管扩大成形术是治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病较好的术式,远期疗效确实。     

双开门椎管扩大椎板成形术中椎管矢状径增加值的预测

 目的 推导双开门椎管扩大椎板成形术中椎板开门宽度与椎管矢状径增加值关系的公式,根据椎板开门宽度预测椎管矢状径和椎管横截面积的增加值。方法 2010年9月至2013年1月期间,实施双开门椎管扩大椎板成形术治疗多节段脊髓型颈椎病20例,C₃~C₇节段9例,C₃~C₆节段11例,共89个节段。推导椎板开门宽度与椎管矢状径增加值关系的公式。根据此20例患者手术前后CT片应用pacs软件测量各项参数,应用公式预测椎板开门宽度分别为6、8、10、12 、14、16 mm时椎管矢状径和椎管横截面积的增加值。结果 C₃~C₇相同节段不同椎板开门宽度时椎管矢状径增加值、椎管横截面积增加值差异均有统计学意义;C₃~C₆相同节段不同椎板开门宽度时各椎管矢状径增加值的差异有统计学意义;C₇节段椎板开门宽度14 mm与16 mm时椎管矢状径增加值的差异无统计学意义;随着椎板开门宽度的增加,椎管矢状径增加值相应增加,但椎管矢状径增加值的增加趋势逐渐减弱。结论 在双开门椎管扩大椎板成形术中,应用公式根据椎板开门宽度能准确预测椎管矢状径与椎管横截面积的增加值,从而指导术者进行精确地选择个体化的开门宽度,能避免过分开门或开门不足。     

Factors affecting the surgical results of expansive laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

We studied the outcome of expansive laminoplasty in 37 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Patients were divided into two groups according to the recovery rate (RR) - a 'good' group ( n=19), and a 'fair' group ( n=18). Patients in the good group showed a greater pre-operative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, a greater compression ratio, and a larger Pavlov ratio ( P<0.05). The presence of high signal intensity on MRI proved to be of no prognostic importance.     

Operative results of canal-expansive laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in elderly patients

STUDY DESIGN: The study involved elderly patients (age > or = 65), who underwent treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy by canal-expansive laminoplasty. OBJECTIVES: To determine the factors that influence the operative results of canal-expansive laminoplasty for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in elderly patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although there have been previous reports of many operative procedures, to the authors' knowledge there are no reports on the results of surgical treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in elderly patients, treated by a unified surgical procedure. To date, no attempts have been made to predict the results of these procedures. METHODS: Forty-seven patients (age > or = 65) who underwent canal-expansive laminoplasty were reviewed in this study. The severity of the clinical picture and the quality of operative results were graded according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients whose period of disability persisted for less than 3 months before the operation, 12 were able to walk after surgery. The operative results of patients more than 80 years of age were not significantly different from those of patients aged between 65 and 79 years. Results of multiple regression analysis indicate that the predictive probability of the postoperative motor function score of the lower extremities was 70%. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of the clinical picture and the duration of symptoms influenced the outcome of the operation. Despite the advanced age of some patients (> 80), the operation increased the chance of recovery from the disease.     

单开门椎板成型术治疗老年脊髓型颈椎病

[目的]探讨老年脊髓型颈椎病的主要病理机制并对单开门椎板成型术在治疗老年脊髓型颈椎病中疗效予以评价。[方法]2000年3月~2008年3月,40例年龄在70岁以上的老年脊髓型颈椎病患者,平均75.4岁(70~85岁)于本科行单开门椎板成型术。在此同一时期内选择40例年龄在60岁以下脊髓型颈椎病患者作为对照组,平均51.2岁(33~60岁)。所有患者至少随访3年,平均6.7年(3~10年)。分别对手术前后JOA评分、改善率、影像学表现及术后并发症进行统计分析。[结果]两组患者术后JOA评分均有显著改善,老年组术后2年效果最佳,术后5年改善率略低与对照组,但无统计学差异。老年组术前颈椎动力位X线片示颈椎不稳发生率明显高于对照组。[结论]单开门椎板成形术可以达到解除神经压迫,维持颈椎稳定性的目的,并在治疗老年脊髓型颈椎病中有良好的疗效。     

Postoperative instability after laminoplasty for cervical myelopathy with spondylolisthesis

OBJECTIVE: 76 patients who underwent laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy were investigated regarding the impact of preoperative and postoperative degenerative spondylolisthesis on their neurologic outcome. METHODS: Radiographs were obtained 1 year postoperatively to investigate range of motion (ROM), lordotic curvature, and postoperative spondylolisthesis. RESULTS: By 1 year after surgery, 85% of those spondylolistheses present preoperatively had either resolved or improved on neutral lateral radiographs. The cross-sectional area of the spinal cord at the site of spondylolisthesis was measured using preoperative computed tomography myelography. Clinical results were evaluated by the recovery rate using Japanese Orthopaedic Association score. Patients with posterior spondylolisthesis showed a significantly poorer postoperative recovery rate. Intervertebral ROM in patients with preoperative spondylolisthesis was reduced, whereas cervical alignment had not deteriorated after laminoplasty. The group with posterior spondylolisthesis showed a significant reduction in the cross-sectional area of the spinal cord at the site of spondylolisthesis. Postoperative spondylolisthesis appeared in 15 patients, 10 of whom had preoperative spondylolisthesis at an adjacent site. CONCLUSION: The cause of poorer surgical results of those patients with preoperative posterior spondylolisthesis appears to be related to a higher degree of spinal cord compression than with preoperative anterior spondylolisthesis.     

Long-term follow-up results of the Cloward procedure for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Purpose

To assess the long-term results of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion using the Cloward procedure for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, and to identify possible clinical outcome predictors.

Methods

A total of 14 cases with a 10-year postoperative follow-up were available (82.4 % of the surviving patients). Patients underwent preoperative and postoperative neurological examination. The symptom severity was graded according to the Nurick scale. MRI measurements were obtained preoperatively. Cervical spine radiographs were obtained preoperatively and at the time of follow-up.

Results

The mean improvement of the clinical status of patients on the Nurick scale was 1.43 ± 0.51 (range 1–2) with respect to the baseline values (p < 0.001), with a 62.5 % recovery rate. A positive association between the improvement of the Nurick scale and the length of follow-up was detected with an age-adjusted univariate analysis (p = 0.042). The Nurick grade improvement was also directly related to preoperative lower limb hyperreflexia (p = 0.039), spasticity (p = 0.017), and bladder dysfunction (p = 0.048). At the time of follow-up, an adjacent discopathy was noted above and below the operated level(s) in eight and six patients, respectively.

Conclusions

The Cloward technique is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The patients’ preoperative neurological status and the length of follow-up affect the grade of postoperative ambulatory improvement.     

Long-term results of a prospective study of anterior decompression with fusion and posterior decompression with laminoplasty for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Background

There have been no prospective studies comparing anterior surgery and posterior method in terms of long-term outcomes. The purposes of this study is to clarify whether there is any difference in long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes of anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and laminoplasty (LAMP) for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

颈椎单开门桥式植骨椎板成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病

目的:探讨改良单开门桥式植骨椎板扩大成形术治疗脊髓型颈椎病的疗效及其相关影响因素。方法:采用改良单开门手术,C4、C6两处“桥式”植骨椎板扩大成形治疗61例脊髓型颈椎病患者。结果:随访2～8年,平均4.3年。JOA评分由术前的8.4±1.9分提高到随访时的12.4±3.0分(P<0.01)。其中优15例(24.6%),良16例(26.2%),可24例(39.4%),差6例(9.8%)。C3~C7曲度术后平均减少了8.7°(P<0.01)。CT测量骨性椎管面积术后平均增加67mm2(P<0.01)。矢状径术后平均增加4.1mm(P<0.01)。术后JOA评分改善率与术后骨性椎管面积的改善率两者的相关系数r=0.027。结论:改良单开门“桥式”植骨椎板成形术是一种安全和有效的术式;椎管骨性面积的增加是神经功能改善的基础,术后椎管矢状径扩大以4~5mm为宜。