Novel biodegradable α-TCP/poly(amino acid) composite artificial lamina following spinal surgery for prevention of intraspinal scar adhesion

Biodegradable copolymer α-TCP/poly(amino acid) composite artificial lamina was prepared and used in goat cervical vertebra resection repair. Cervical 4 was removed by laminectomy, and a vertebra defect of 27 × 9 mm was made. α-TCP/poly(amino acid) composite artificial lamina was inserted in the test group. The efficiency of the copolymer during repair and reconstruction of the goats’ vertebra was tested by using X-ray, CT scanning, and histological and biomechanical measurements. In the 24 weeks following the operation, the artificial lamina refrained from shifting, and no dural adhesion pressure was observed. In contrast, the control group suffered from infiltration of soft tissue in the spinal canal, dural pressure and α-TCP/poly(amino acid) degradation. In conclusion, α-TCP/poly(amino acid) composite artificial lamina can significantly prevent scar tissue from infiltrating the spinal canal.     

纳米羟基磷灰石/聚酰胺复合人工椎板预防脊柱后路术后椎管内瘢痕粘连的实验研究

目的：探讨纳米羟基磷灰百／聚酰胺（nano-hydmxyapatite／polyamide-66，n-HA／PA66）复合人工椎板在防止脊柱后路术后椎管内瘢痕粘连，重建脊柱后部结构完整性的价值。方法：22只1岁龄雄性家犬行L5椎板切除，实验组13只行复合人丁椎板植入，另9只作空白对照。术后4、8、16、24周各时相点摄X线片，行组织学、扫描电镜观察；术后24周行MRI检查．结果：实验组术后16～24周复合人工椎板界面观察到软骨细胞及板层骨，硬膜粘连程度比对照组明瞳减轻（P〈0．01）。术后24周时MRi显示实验组椎管完整性恢复。结论：n-HA／PA66复合材料具有良好的生物相容性，能有效阻止硬膜外粘连。     

聚己内酯/聚乳酸膜防止硬膜外瘢痕粘连的实验研究

目的 探讨将聚己内酯／聚乳酸(polycaprolactone／polylactic acid,PCL/PIA)膜置于硬膜外,以减少硬膜外瘢痕粘连的方法。方法 用大鼠96只,L1、L3全椎板切除,分为空白对照组、自体游离脂肪片组及PCI／PIA膜组3组。术后1、3、6、12周处死动物。对硬膜外瘢痕形成及粘连做大体及组织学观察,逆转录,聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)方法检测硬膜外瘢痕中转化生长因子β(TGF-β)的表达,并用免疫组化法及RT-PCR法检测相应脊髓中P物质、c-fos的表达。结果 与空白对照组相比,PCL/PIA膜组硬膜外瘢痕粘连减轻,术后3周及6周时硬膜外瘢痕组织中TGF-β表达量明显减少,脊髓中P物质、c-fos表达减少;脂肪片早期可减轻硬膜外瘢痕粘连,但后期粘连也有所加重,脊髓中P物质、c-fos表达也有相应改变。结论 聚己内酯／聚乳酸膜可减轻硬膜外的瘢痕形成及粘连,使脊髓中疼痛介质P物质、c-fos表达减少,有助于防止术后腰腿痛的复发。     

7.0T micro-MRI评价局部应用丝裂霉素C和消旋聚乳酸膜抑制大鼠硬膜外粘连及瘢痕形成

目的应用7.0Tmicro-MR比较单独应用丝裂霉素C（MMC）、消旋聚乳酸（DL-PLA）膜以及二者联合应用（MMC＋DL-PLA膜）时抑制大鼠椎板切除术后硬膜外粘连的效果。方法将16只SD大鼠随机分为4组,每组4只,椎板切除术后于硬膜外给予不同局部处理：单纯MMC组局部应用MMC 0.67mg/ml;单纯DL-PLA膜组给予生理盐水和0.05mm厚DL-PLA膜;MMC＋DL-PLA膜组给予MMC 0.67mg/ml和0.05mm厚DL-PLA膜;对照组单纯应用生理盐水。术后4周处死大鼠,分别行7.0Tmicro-MR扫描及瘢痕组织面积测定,并于镜下观察硬脊膜与后方瘢痕组织粘连情况。结果单纯MMC组和单纯DL-PLA膜组硬膜外瘢痕组织较疏松,瘢痕面积小,与硬脊膜部分粘连。MMC＋DL-PLA膜组硬膜外瘢痕组织较疏松,瘢痕面积更小,与硬脊膜未形成明显粘连。对照组标本硬膜外瘢痕组织致密,瘢痕面积大,与硬脊膜形成紧密粘连。结论局部单独应用浓度为0.67mg/ml的MMC或0.05mm厚的DL-PLA膜均能减少硬膜外瘢痕组织增生,二者联合应用时效果更显著。     

Mitomycin C-polyethylene glycol controlled-release film inhibits collagen secretion and induces apoptosis of fibroblasts in the early wound of a postlaminectomy rat model

Background contextRecovery from spine surgery is usually accompanied with the development of epidural scar adhesions from the abnormal proliferation of fibroblast and extracellular matrix–related metabolism. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) could alleviate the postsurgical adhesion formation with still leaving a gap between the sheet and the dura. However, PEG film could not function as a three-dimensional barrier to prevent adhesion completely. Mitomycin C (MMC) could also reduce the scar formation after surgery, but cytotoxicity and the administrative pathway prevent its application.PurposeOur purpose was to design and attest the role of new delivery system MMC-PEG controlled-release film in preventing the epidural scar adhesions after laminectomy in the rat model.Study design/settingA total laminectomy of L1 in the rat model was used to assess epidural fibrosis between and around the spinal nerves using a histochemistry assessment along with flow cytometry analysis.Patient sampleThe sample comprises 64 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats.Outcome measuresThe outcome measures are macroscopic evaluation, histological analysis, and flow cytometry analysis.MethodsLumbar laminectomies at L1 and L2 with a L1–L2 disc injury were performed on 64 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were then randomized into four groups. In Group I, 25 mg PEG film was applied on the dura mater in the laminectomy area before the layers were sutured. In Group II, a cotton pad soaked with 0.05% MMC solution was kept on the laminectomy area for 5 minutes. In Group III, 25 mg PEG film containing 0.01% MMC was implanted on the laminectomy area. In Group IV, the laminectomy area was flushed with saline before wound closure. The rats were sacrificed 4 weeks after the operation. Macroscopic evaluation and histological analysis of epidural scar adhesion with the hematoxylin and eosin stain and Masson stain were used followed by the quantification of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and flow cytometry analysis of the apoptosis of fibroblasts in the scar tissues.ResultsThe recovery of all rats was uneventful after the operations. In the laminectomy sites of rats treated with MMC or MMC-PEG, the dura mater was clean without any evident adhesion or membrane. Collagen tissue hyperplasia significantly decreased in the MMC- or MMC-PEG–treated models. Accordingly, Hyp concentration was significantly reduced in these two groups compared with saline-control group. In addition, the apoptosis of fibroblasts, however, was significantly elevated in the MMC or MMC-PEG group compared with the saline-control group.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that the treatment of postlaminectomy wounds with MMC-PEG film reduces the severity of adhesion by decreasing the concentration of Hyp and increasing the apoptosis of fibroblasts.     

防止椎板切除术后硬脊膜外瘢痕粘连的实验研究

作者在４个平面间隔切除１１只山羊的椎板，分别用硅胶膜、自体游离脂肪片、带蒂肌肉瓣覆盖硬脊膜，一处平面作空白对照。术后４个月组织学检查，结果显示，硅胶膜后方有少许瘢痕组织增生，间质中有炎细胞灶状浸润，硅胶膜与硬膜囊无瘢痕形成，新形成的椎管后壁光滑，硬膜囊无受压；脂肪片被纤维组织取代，周围纤维组织增生轻微，形成菲薄之纤维膜，与硬脊膜容易分离；带蒂肌肉瓣周围形成较多瘢痕与硬脊膜粘连重，肌肉瓣已完全纤维化，空白组形成瘢痕最多，与硬脊膜粘连最重。术后硬膜囊矢状径以硅胶膜组最大，脂肪片组次之，带蒂肌肉瓣组再次之，空白组最小。作者认为，硅胶膜与脂肪片能明显防止椎板切除术后纤维瘢痕粘连对硬膜囊的压迫，在支架诱导作用方面，硅胶膜优于脂肪片，在生物相容性方面脂肪片优于硅胶膜。带蒂肌肉瓣优于对照组，但不及前两者。     

多孔磷酸钙人工椎板应用的实验研究

目的：观察多孔磷酸钙人工椎板（ＰＣＰＡＬ）对全椎板切除后硬膜外纤维化的预防作用。方法：手术切除２０只家兔的Ｌ４、Ｌ６椎板。其中一个节段植入多孔磷酸钙人工椎板，另一个节段作空白对照。术后２、４、８、１８和２３周处死家兔作病理观察、ＣＴ扫描和三维结构重建、计算机图像分析。结果：ＰＣＰＡＬ具有良好的生物相容性，较好的生物降解能力和引导骨组织生长的能力。实验节段的硬膜外疤痕量和硬膜粘连均明显少于空白节段。结论：ＰＣＰＡＬ对全椎板切除后硬膜外纤维化及纤维疤痕组织对脊髓的压迫有预防作用。     

几丁糖膜预防椎板切除术后硬膜周围粘连的实验研究

目的：观察几丁糖膜对预防椎板切除术后硬膜周围粘连的作用。方法：２４只成年新西兰白兔Ｌ３、Ｌ５水平切除椎板１０×０５ｃｍ,Ｌ３硬膜外放置几丁糖膜（Ａ点）,Ｌ５作为空白对照（Ｂ点）。分别于术后３周、６周、１２周进行大体形态、组织学观察。结果：Ａ点硬膜与瘢痕无明显粘连,硬膜外有空隙,未见明显异物、炎症反应;Ｂ点硬膜与瘢痕紧密粘连,瘢痕侵入椎管内,对硬膜有压迫。结论：几丁糖膜具有明显的预防硬膜周围粘连的作用。     

Prophylaxis of the laminectomy membrane. An experimental study in dogs.

Sixty laminectomies were performed in dogs to investigate the prevention of the laminectomy membrane and its side effects. These operations were distributed in six groups of 10, one was a control group, and in the others the bone defect was protected with different materials (Oxicel, Silastic, Dacron, methyl methacrylate, and Kiel bone graft). After a survival of 2 months, suboccipital myelography was performed, immediately after which the animals were sacrificed and the operated spinal slice obtained. The different radiographic densities of the tissues of each slice were calculated and the diverse histological nature identified by hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid Schiff, Masson's trichrome, and Gomori's reticulin strains. Only the acrylic plastic and the Kiel bone graft prevented expansion of the scar tissue inside the spinal canal and adhesions between the dura and the cicatrical overlying muscles. Therefore, the authors suggest that a solid barrier is necessary to effectively prevent the so-called "laminectomy membrane."     

纤维蛋白封闭剂预防硬膜外粘连的实验研究

目的探讨纤维蛋白封闭剂预防术后硬膜外粘连的中长期效果。方法成年健康犬10只。均行L2及L5全椎板切除术,制作椎板缺损模型。随机取5只犬,于L2缺损区喷涂纤维蛋白封闭剂,L5作为空白对照;于另5只犬的L5缺损区喷涂纤维蛋白封闭剂,L2作为空白对照。均在术后6个月处死,取出腰椎进行大体观察、组织学及MRI研究。结果对照组可见大量瘢痕组织增生,硬膜与后方瘢痕组织粘连紧密。纤维蛋白封闭剂组硬膜与瘢痕之间有间隙。无明显粘连。结论纤维蛋白封闭剂中长期防粘连效果是可靠的。     

Experimental rabbit hemilaminotomy model in the evaluation of peridural fibrosis: a minimally invasive peridural fibrosis model.

The neuronal adhesions of newly synthesized scar tissue to dura mater after spinal peridural operations represent an unsolved problem in neurosurgical practice. This experimental study was planned to compare the success of a rabbit hemilaminotomy procedure with the total laminectomy model in the evaluation of peridural fibrosis in terms of proposing a lesser invasive peridural adhesion model. Fourteen New Zealand white rabbits were used in this experiment. Laminectomy was performed in one level, and hemilaminotomy was done in another level. Four weeks after operation the rabbits were sacrificed by perfusion with 10 % neutral buffered formalin solution. The lumbar spines were removed and immersed in 10 % neutral buffered formalin for approximately 24 hours. Then each specimen was decalcified in 5 % formic acid for approximately 3 weeks. Specimens were cut coronally for gross inspection. Two blocks of tissue were taken from each laminectomy site to be processed and embedded in paraffin. In seven (50 %) of the laminectomy sites of the rabbits, fibrous tissue penetrated the spinal canal through the laminectomy defect and produced neural compression (Grade III). Eight (57 %) hemilaminotomy sites were in Grade III fibrosis. There was no difference between laminectomy and hemilaminotomy in regard to the dural adhesions. In this experimental study, we modified the rabbit total laminectomy model by using a hemilaminotomy procedure in the study of peridural scar formation. The authors conclude that this procedure is more simple, reliable, and lesser invasive than the total laminectomy model.     

壳多糖膜预防椎板切除术后硬膜周围粘连的实验研究

目的　观察壳多糖膜预防椎板切除术后硬膜周围粘连的作用。方法　２４ 只成年新西兰白兔 Ｌ３ 、 Ｌ５ 水平切除椎板１ ．０ ｃｍ ×０ ．５ ｃｍ , Ｌ３ 硬膜外放置壳多糖膜（ Ａ 点） , Ｌ５ 作为空白对照（ Ｂ 点） 。分别于术后３ 、６ 、１２ 周进行大体形态、光镜观察。结果　 Ａ 点硬膜外粘连程度明显低于 Ｂ 点;光镜观察 Ａ 点粘连范围明显低于 Ｂ 点, Ａ 点硬膜外有空隙,未见明显异物、炎症反应, Ｂ 点硬膜外与瘢痕紧密粘连,瘢痕侵入椎管内,对硬膜有压迫。结论　壳多糖膜具有明显的预防硬膜周围粘连的作用。     

自体真皮移植预防硬膜外纤维化及粘连的实验研究

目的 探讨自体真皮移植预防硬膜外纤维化及粘连的效果,为临床应用提供实验依据.方法 选取5头西藏小型猪,手术切除L2、L4全椎板造成缺损,去除硬膜后方硬膜外脂肪暴露硬脊膜,切取自体真皮移植于L2椎板缺损处覆盖硬脊膜(实验组),L4椎板缺损处硬脊膜外不用任何移植物覆盖(自身空白对照组).于术后2、4、6、8、10周全麻下股动脉放血法各处死1头动物,大体观察移植真皮存活情况及是否存在毛发生长、皮脂腺和汗腺分泌物.采用改良Robertson记分法评定硬膜外瘢痕量及粘连程度,SPSS 13.0统计学软件进行统计分析.组织学观察移植真皮内皮肤附属器变化情况.结果 移植真皮全部成活,与体表真皮比较明显增厚(P<0.05).实验组未见移植真皮毛发生长、皮脂腺囊肿和汗液囊肿形成;真皮与硬脊膜之间存在潜在的易分离平面,只有极少量瘢痕组织,粘连疏松,硬膜表面和移植真皮表皮面光滑.对照组大量的瘢痕形成,竖脊肌前方瘢痕组织严重且广泛长人硬膜外腔,与硬脊膜粘连紧密,硬脊膜从瘢痕组织上分离困难.改良Robertson记分法评分,实验组硬膜外瘢痕量及粘连程度明显低于对照组(P<0.05).组织学观察见毛囊萎缩、毛根坏死、皮脂腺及汗腺消失.结论 自体真皮是一种具有良好的抑制瘢痕形成和物理隔离屏障作用的生物材料.自体真皮移植能有效地预防硬膜外纤维化及粘连,具有临床应用价值.     

同种异体骨板覆盖预防硬膜外瘢痕粘连的实验研究

目的 探讨经冻干辐照处理后的同种异体骨板预防椎板切除术后硬膜外瘢痕粘连的作用。方法 12只成年雄性绵羊,随机分成A、B两组,每组6只。两组均作L3,4和L4,5椎板切除,A组的L4,5和B组的L3,4椎板缺损用“H”形同种冻干辐照骨板覆盖,为实验节段;A组的L3,4和B组的L4,5不覆盖骨板作为对照节段。于术后4、8、12、16、20和24周取材,行大体、X线平片和组织切片观察;并对4、24周取材行CT扫描。结果 术后4周,实验节段可见同种骨板形态、位置保持完好,椎管内无狭窄,硬膜囊无压迫,镜下椎板咬除缘有多量新生骨小梁生成,周边有大量软骨细胞及其分泌黏多糖和坏死后所留下的空腔,骨板内侧有增生纤维组织及少量炎性细胞浸润;对照节段可见大范围致密的纤维组织夹杂变性坏死肌肉嵌入椎板缺损处,硬膜广泛粘连,硬膜囊受压。术后24周,实验节段椎管重建基本完成,覆盖骨板吸收完全,并与再生椎板融合,椎管形态完好,硬膜外未见瘢痕组织;对照节段椎板再生未完成,瘢痕组织自椎管外嵌入椎管内,压迫硬膜囊及脊髓,硬膜外间隙几乎消失。统计学分析表明手术后期（16～24周）,实验节段与对照节段相比硬膜粘连程度明显减轻,椎管矢状径均较对照节段大,硬膜囊形状保持良好,无明显压迫。结论 同种异体冻干辐照骨板在实验羊椎板切除后的硬膜外能有效减少瘢痕形成和粘连。     

黄芪预防术后硬膜外粘连的实验研究

目的：探讨黄芪预防术后硬膜外瘢痕粘连的效果。方法：22只新西兰兔行L2和L5节段2椎板切除术,切除部分黄韧带,暴露脂肪,去除硬膜外脂肪,分为两组：A组为黄芪组;B组为生理盐水组,分别在L2和L5椎板缺损区注入黄芪液和生理盐水,术后2、4、8周取材作光镜,透镜观察。结果：黄芪组炎性细胞渗出较少,成纤维细胞较少,胶原纤维形成较少,硬膜外瘢痕无粘连,脊髓和神经根未见变性和脱髓鞘,生理盐水组硬膜外明显。结论：黄芪无神经毒性作用,可作为作一种良好的材料用于预防术后硬膜外瘢痕粘连。     

The prevention of adhesions after laminectomy. Adverse results of Zenoderm implantations into laminectomy sites in rabbits

Zenoderm (Ethicon Ltd., Edinburgh, Scotland) is porcine skin dermis specially treated so as to be weakly antigenic when implanted. Its use as an extradural spinal and nerve root membrane to reduce postoperative adhesions after laminectomy was tested in 22 rabbits with laminectomy in the second and fourth lumbar vertebra. The sites were reviewed histologically two to 36 weeks after operation. Histologic sections showed that Zenoderm was initially surrounded by hematoma that organized into fibrous tissue and, later, bone. When Zenoderm was placed immediately adjacent to the dura, dense adhesions formed, which were slower to resolve than those in the control sites. The rate of Zenoderm resorption was variable. In general, Zenoderm did not excite excessive fibrous tissue formation and was slowly replaced by bone. Contrary to the experience of others, it was unusual to find adhesions between the laminectomy site, and the dura began disappearing after six to nine weeks. In rabbits, Zenoderm is unlikely to prevent adhesions forming after lumbar disc surgery. The resorption rate is variable, and laminectomy sites are unsuitable for the investigation of material for the prevention of spinal dural adhesions.     

Reduction of epidural fibrosis and dural adhesions after lamina reconstruction by absorbable cement: an experimental study

Background contextPost-laminectomy epidural fibrosis complicates revision spine surgery and is implicated in cases of “failed back syndrome.” Several materials have been used to minimize epidural fibrosis with varying results.PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of reconstruction of laminectomy site with a type of absorbable cement (Jectos) to reduce epidural fibrosis.Study designThis investigation is an experimental controlled study, which is designed to evaluate the preventive effects of laminectomy site reconstruction in rat laminectomy model.MethodsTwenty wistar rats were included in this study and divided randomly to two equal groups, namely, subject and control. In both groups, laminectomy was performed in L2 and L4 levels. Control group received no additional treatment. In the subject group, L4 levels were reconstructed by Jectos and L2 levels were non-reconstructed as internal controls. Six months after surgery the rats were sacrificed and the dural adhesion and epidural fibrosis were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The study was financially supported by Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries Repair Center. None of the authors have any conflict of interest.ResultsNon-reconstructed levels in both groups showed dense epidural fibrosis with marked dural adherence. L4 reconstructed levels in subject group showed reduced epidural fibrosis macroscopically (p=.024) and microscopically (p=.041). No foreign body reaction or ossification occurred at reconstructed sites.ConclusionsIn the present study, lamina reconstruction with absorbable cement was a safe method that significantly reduced post-laminectomy epidural fibrosis and dural adhesions in rat laminectomy model.     

Prevention of postlaminectomy scar formation

An animal experimental study was performed to investigate prevention of scar formation under lumbar laminectomy by using new biodegradable interposing materials-- polylactic acid (PLA) foam and membrane. The experimental animals consisted of 32 dogs, 16 control and 16 experimental. The experimental surgery consisted of L5 or L6 complete laminectomy and covering of the laminectomy defect with the experimental materials. The same procedure but without the covering of the laminectomy defect was performed on the control group animals. Animals were sacrificed at varying intervals (2-52 weeks) and the lumbar spines were evaluated with histologic preparations. The PLA membrane is found to be a promising material for prevention of scar tissue extension and adhesion after laminectomy but has a problem of marginal fitting. PLA foam is found to behave as a scaffold for scar tissue extension and adhesion onto the nerve. Other foamy materials such as gelatin foam or avitane are probably behaving similarly, causing scar tissue extension and adhesion. The new materials were found to be completely biocompatible and slowly biodegradable. A combined use of posteriorly convexed stiff PLA membrane and marginal gap filler with PLA foam may provide solutions for both prevention of scar tissue extension and adhesion and prevention of postlaminectomy spinal stenosis.     

Experimental study on postlaminectomy deterioration of cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Influences of intradural surgery and persistent spinal block

This experiment studied the postoperative changes around the dural tube at the site of cervical laminectomy, which are influenced by intradural operative procedures and the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Forty dogs were divided into four groups in accordance with the type of decompressive procedure done, and three types of dural surgery were added: none (laminectomy alone), dura resection, or arachnoid resection. While the scar tissue did not adhere to the spinal cord after arachnoid resection in normal dogs, adhesion of scar to spinal cord was seen to a small extent after arachnoid resection with sufficient posterior decompression in dogs whose spinal cord was compressed anteriorly by a screw through the vertebral body. In the cases with insufficient posterior decompression adherence was observed much more extensively.     

The morphology and clinical significance of the dorsal meningovertebra ligaments in the cervical epidural space

Background contextThe dural sac is anchored within the vertebral canal by connective tissue called meningovertebral ligaments in the epidural space. During flavectomy and laminectomy, inadvertent disruption of the dorsal meningovertebral ligaments may lead to dura laceration and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. All the described dorsal meningovertebral ligaments were located in the lumbar region. A rare study is available about dorsal meningovertebral ligaments of the cervical spinal dura to the adjacent vertebrae.PurposeTo identify and describe the dorsal meningovertebral ligaments at each cervical level and discuss their clinical significance.Study designA dissection-based study of 22 embalmed cadavers.MethodsThe anatomy was studied in 22 whole cervical cadavers (11 females, 11males), prepared with formaldehyde, whose ages at the time of death ranged from 55 to 78 years. The vertebral canal was divided to expose the dural sac and the spinal nerve roots. At all levels of the cervical vertebra, the morphology, quantity, origin, insertion, and spatial orientation of the dorsal meningovertebral ligaments were determined and the length, width or diameter, and thickness of the ligaments were measured with vernier calipers.ResultsThe dorsal meningovertebral ligaments in the cervical region anchored the posterior dural sac to the ligamentum flavum or laminae. The number of attachment points on the ligamentum flavum was relatively larger than that on the lamina, and the occurrence rate of dorsal meningovertebral ligaments was 100% at C1–C2 and C4––C5. The thickest ligaments were observed at the C1 and C2 vertebrae. The length of the ligaments varied from 1.50 to 35.22 mm, and the orientation of the ligaments mostly was craniocaudal. The morphology of the dorsal meningovertebral ligaments was divided into four types: strip type, cord type, grid type, and thin slice type.ConclusionsIn the cervical spine, the dorsal meningovertebral ligaments exist between the posterior dural sac and the ligamentum flavum or lamina. The dorsal meningovertebral ligaments may be of clinical importance to surgeons. Dissecting the dorsal meningovertebral ligaments before the cervical flavectomy and laminectomy may be an important step in reducing postoperative dura laceration and CSF leaks, which may result in significant benefits for patients and health-care organizations.