Syringobulbia Caused by Delayed Postoperative Tethering of the Cervical Spinal Cord – Delayed Complication of Foramen Magnum Decompression for Chiari Malformation

Summary  Postoperative tethering of the high cervical spinal cord is a rare cause of neurological deterioration after foramen magnum decompression (FMD) with duraplasty for Chiari type I malformation. A review of the literature revealed that only 5 cases have been reported. This entity is not widely known to occur as a complication of the common surgical procedure for Chiari type I malformation. A 17-year-old boy experienced rapidly progressive neurological deterioration over a 3-month period. FMD and duraplasty with lyophilized cadaver dura had been performed 8 years previously. Follow-up MR images showed that the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) space dorsal to the cord was gradually disappearing and that syringobulbia had developed. Opening the dura mater of the posterior fossa revealed dense fibrous scarring, arachnoid thickening over the cervicomedullary area, and tethering the cord to the dura from the medulla to C2. The adhesions were dissected free, and the tethering was released. A syringosubarachnoid (SS) shunt was inserted and duraplasty was performed with an expended polytetrafluoroethylene sheet (Gore-Tex). Postoperative MR images demonstrated that the syringobulbia had completely collapsed and that a dorsal CSF space was present. Follow-up MR images provided significant information on the cervical spinal cord tethering after FMD with duraplasty for Chiari malformation. We encourage sharp surgical detethering and duraplasty with Gore-Tex to avoid retethering. Early recognition and treatment of this unusual but important complication are emphasized.     

A case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation with duplicated dura mater

The patient was a 48-year-old man in whom a slow progression in walking difficulty occurred over a year. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography myelography (CTM) revealed duplicated dura mater from T1 to T12 and spinal cord herniation in the inner layer of the dura at the T4-T5 level. Idiopathic spinal cord herniation with duplicated dura mater was diagnosed, and surgery was performed. Intraoperative findings were of an elliptical defect of about 1 cm in the inner layer of the dura at the T4-T5 level, into which the spinal cord was herniated. A 1.5-cm cephalocaudal incision was created in the inner layer of the dura, and the incarcerated spinal cord was released, resulting in resolution of gait disturbance and an excellent postoperative clinical course. We reviewed the reports of 11 cases of idiopathic spinal cord herniation with duplicated dura mater and summarized the clinical and imaging characteristics as follows: 1) A hernial orifice was found at the T4-T6 level, 2) cross-sectional MRI or CTM showed a "snowman-like" deformation of the spinal cord, and 3) symptoms were often improved by widening the hernia orifice.     

Dynamic electrophysiological examination of cervical flexion myelopathy

Cervical flexion myelopathy is thought to arise following compression of the spinal cord by vertebrae or intervertebral discs and dura mater, or from overstretching of the spinal cord induced by cervical spinal flexion. However, the influence of spinal flexion on the spinal cord and the detailed origins of this disease are unknown. In this article the authors report a case of cervical flexion myelopathy in which dynamic electrophysiological examination was performed using an epidural electrode. This investigation showed the real-time influence of flexion of the cervical spine on spinal cord function. This technique was considered to be useful for diagnosis and in decision making for treatment. Anterior fusion was the optimal surgical method for treating this disease.     

一次性颈椎后路椎管扩大成形术加经硬脊膜入路髓核摘除术治疗脊髓钳夹型颈椎病

目的 探讨采用一次性颈椎后路单开门椎管成形术加经硬脊膜入路椎间盘髓核摘除术治疗脊髓钳夹型颈椎病的手术方法及观察其近期手术疗效.方法 本组6例脊髓钳夹型颈椎病患者术前均行X线片、CT和MRI检查确诊.手术方法均采用颈后路单开门椎管扩大成形术,然后在颈椎间盘突出相应的硬脊膜的位置上纵行切开硬脊膜,显露颈髓和上、下神经根及齿状韧带,切开纤维环取出髓核组织.结果 本组6例均获随访,按JOA评分标准平均提高3-6分,肌力平均提高2-3级,术前症状基本消失或缓解.术后予以X线片及MRI复查,无明显并发症,钳夹节段的颈髓均显示压迫解除.结论 一次性颈椎后路单开门椎管扩大成形术加经硬脊膜入路椎间盘髓核摘除术是治疗脊髓钳夹型颈椎病的一种可行有效的手术方法.它可避免多次手术的痛苦.     

Biomechanical considerations in the surgical management of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Based on a review of previous studies and our opinion, biomechanical considerations suggest the following guidelines for the surgical management of CSM. It is not recommended that the dura mater, the pia mater, and the dentate ligaments be transected in the surgical treatment of CSM. Anterior decompression and fusion, preferably with the Smith-Robinson technique, is recommended for patients with anterior impingement of the spinal cord at one or two levels in the absence of a narrow spinal canal. This procedure is also advantageous when there is significant radiculopathy associated with the level(s) of pathology. Posterior decompression is recommended when there are three or more levels involved, and particularly when there is developmental stenosis of the canal, ie, a DAD below 13 mm and a SAD below 11 mm. Laminectomy and laminoplasty for CSM may not be any different as regards surgical outcome. One well-controlled study showed only one difference, a decrease in the ability of the laminoplasty patients to extend the neck. If there is evidence of instability or a potential for it, posterior decompression procedures should be accompanied by a facet fusion, or in the case of laminoplasty, some fusion modification such as that described by Itoh and Tsuji. There may also be circumstances in which significant multilevel anterior spur formation and compression in association with a stenotic canal should be treated with anterior and posterior surgery with appropriate attention to maintaining adequate stability. The advantages and disadvantages of these various surgical procedures and their relative appropriateness in various clinical situations will be gradually clarified through well-designed and executed laboratory and clinical investigations.     

A case of high-aged idiopathic spinal cord herniation from dural defect

Idiopathic spinal cord herniation was assumed to be a rare disease. However, the incidence of discovering this condition appears to have been increasing recently with advances in neuroradiological diagnosis using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomographic myelogram (CTM). We present herein an operated case of high-aged idiopathic spinal cord herniation. A 71-year-old female presented with spastic paresis of the right lower limb and sensory disturbance of pain and temperature below the level of the left Th4 dermatome, consistent with Brown-Séquard syndrome. MRI and CTM revealed right ventral displacement of the spinal cord and dilatation of the dorsal subarachnoid space at Th2/3. Laminectomy of Th1-3 was performed, herniated spinal cord was untethered and repositioned, and the dural defect was sealed with GORE-TEX dura substitute. Postoperative MRI revealed normal location of the spinal cord and neurological state improved slightly. The patient was discharged 1 month after the operation. Among many cases of spinal cord herniations, this is considered to be a rare case of idiopathic spinal cord herniation in an elderly patient.     

Biomechanical study of cervical flexion myelopathy using a three-dimensional finite element method

OBJECT: The goal of this study was to perform a biomechanical study of cervical flexion myelopathy (CFM) using a finite element method. METHODS: A 3D finite element model of the spinal cord was established consisting of gray matter, white matter, and pia mater. After the application of semi-static compression, the model underwent anterior flexion to simulate CFM. The flexion angles used were 5 degrees and 10 degrees , and stress distributions inside the spinal cord were then evaluated. RESULTS: Stresses on the spinal cord were very low under semi-static compression but increased after 5 degrees of flexion was applied. Stresses were concentrated in the gray matter, especially the anterior and posterior horns. The stresses became much higher after application of 10 degrees of flexion and were observed in the gray matter, posterior funiculus, and a portion of the lateral funiculus. CONCLUSIONS: The 5 degrees model was considered to represent the mild type of CFM. This type corresponds to the cases described in the original report by Hirayama and colleagues. The main symptom of this type of CFM is muscle atrophy and weakness caused by the lesion of the anterior horn. The 10 degrees model was considered to represent a severe type of CFM and was associated with lesions in the posterior fand lateral funiculi. This type of CFM corresponds to the more recently reported clinical cases with combined long tract signs and sensory disturbance.     

颈椎前路减压术中硬膜外造影术

目的在颈前路减压手术的同时行硬膜外造影术,以避免减压节段内残留压迫性组织并探讨此术式的临床效果。方法在直视下完成颈椎前路间隙或椎体次全切除减压术后,切开或切除后纵韧带,使用18#软套管注射针头,将5￣10mlOmnipaque300造影剂注入减压节段的上下方,采用“C”型臂X线机透视,观察造影剂在硬膜囊前方的分布情况,以此判断脊髓是否获得完全减压。共64例颈椎病患者进行了术中硬膜外造影术,男39例,女25例;年龄32～64岁,平均49岁。术后39例获得随访,随访9～16个月,平均13个月,其中18例在术后1￣12周内复查MRI。采用JOA评分比较手术前后神经功能。结果完成椎管减压后,首次造影显示造影剂连续者49例(77%),其中11例术后复查MRI,显示再无脊髓压迫。首次造影显示造影剂不连续者15例(23%),经进一步减压,造影剂开始出现连续;其中7例术后复查MRI,显示再无脊髓受压。39例获得随访的病例,术后神经功能恢复率52%,终末随访时,神经功能恢复率上升至61%,无一例神经症状加重者。终末随访时JOA评分与术前、术后相比,差异有统计学意义。结论在颈椎前路减压手术中,硬膜外造影术能够有效判断椎管内减压情况,操作方法简单,安全可靠。     

中央型颈椎间盘突出症

４３例中央型颈椎间盘突出症病例，均累及颈髓引起不同程度的痉挛瘫。本组均无颈部外伤史。６５％的病例颈椎Ｘ线平片无异常所见；６０％的病例仅单间隙突出；７％的病例呈跳跃型多间隙突出；上位颈椎突出约占全部突出间隙的１４％．本组有两种临床类型：亚急性突出和缓慢型突出。游离髓核偶可刺破后纵韧带，突入椎管内甚至硬膜下腔，引起急性严重四肢瘫。缓慢突出型常为多间隙突出，少数合并后纵韧带钙化、骨化。３５例经前路间盘切除、椎间植骨融合；２例行椎管成形术。１例前路减压不彻底、半年后再行单纯椎板切除。平均随访７年月，９７％获得优良疗效，无手术并发症和加重例。     

颈性眩晕外科治疗的指征及疗效探讨

目的探讨颈性眩晕外科治疗的指征及疗效。方法回顾分析2004年1月~2006年4月颈性眩晕患者100例,均经颈椎动力位及MRI检查。其中颈椎不稳21例:1个节段不稳5例,2个节段不稳10例,3个节段不稳6例;颈椎不稳主要发生于C4,5、C5,6节段;21例患者中MRI显示共43个不稳节段,其中32个节段合并颈椎间盘退变突出、硬膜囊出现压迹。本组21例患者均行颈前路椎间盘切除减压融合内固定术。结果21例均获随访,时间为12~39个月,术后12例眩晕获得缓解,5例有改善,4例眩晕改善不显著。手术治疗优良率为80%。结论颈椎不稳合并硬膜囊受压可以作为颈性眩晕的手术指征;采用颈前路椎间盘切除减压融合内固定治疗有较高的优良率。     

颈椎病患者后纵韧带与硬脊膜粘连的判断

目的回顾性评估经前路手术证实的脊髓型颈椎病后纵韧带与硬脊膜粘连特点。方法2005年12月至2007年1月，治疗18例脊髓型颈椎病患者，男11例，女7例；年龄55～72岁，平均65．4岁。术前行颈椎CT与MR检查，未发现有后纵韧带及硬脊膜骨化。二节段颈椎间盘突出12例（66．7％），三节段颈椎间盘突出6例（33.3％）。二节段手术方法为单椎节椎体次全切除＋钛网（或髂骨）＋颈前路钢板固定；三节段手术方法为单椎节椎体次全切除植骨内固定，另一病变节段用颈椎cage植入融合。手术中证实存在后纵韧带与硬脊膜粘连，术中以“漂浮”方法处理后纵韧带与硬脊膜粘连。应用配对计数资料Kappa系数检验两种影像学提示存在后纵韧带和硬脊膜粘连的吻合度。结果全部病例手术后神经功能均有不同程度改善，按JOA评分法，术前平均9．6分，术后平均12．1分。4例术中损伤硬脊膜未直接修补，术后发生脑脊液漏，经适当加压处理，伤口均获得愈合。颈后纵韧带与硬脊膜粘连的CT横断位扫描示椎间盘与硬脊膜接触不光滑，有毛刺现象；MRI示后纵韧带增厚，粘连处硬膜下间隙与邻近间隙不对称。统计分析结果Kappa系数=0．40，P〈0．05，表明CT与MRI显示后纵韧带和硬脊膜粘连情况时，两者比较差异有统计学意义。结论脊髓型颈椎病前路减压术前MR检查能判断后纵韧带与硬脊膜粘连，其准确率优于CT扫描。手术中采用“漂浮”方法能有效处理粘连病变。     

Recurrence of hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis. Report of two cases and review of the literature

Hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (HSP) is a comparatively rare disease characterized by hypertrophic inflammation of the dura mater and clinical symptoms that progress from local pain to myelopathy. The authors report two cases of recurrent HSP and review the English- and Japanese-language literature focusing on the recurrence of HSP. In the first case, a man who presented at 67 years of age with lower-extremity numbness, gait disturbance, and bladder dysfunction experienced two recurrences of HSP during the 11 years of follow up after his initial laminectomy. Both recurrences were successfully treated with laminoplasty and duraplasty. Three years after his last surgical procedure, he was still able to walk with the aid of a walker. In the second case, a man who presented at 62 years of age with lower-extremity numbness and gait disturbance was initially treated successfully with steroid pulse therapy. Approximately 8 months after his initial presentation, his symptoms recurred. He underwent laminoplasty and duraplasty. At the 2.5-year follow-up examination, he had only mild neurological deficits and was still able to walk unaided. To explore possible causes of recurrence, the authors searched the English- and Japanese-language literature for cases of HSP. Of the 96 cases identified, 11 were recurrent. Data on the presence or absence of inflammatory signs were available for 84 patients. A chi-square analysis revealed a significantly increased rate of recurrence for patients who had at least one positive inflammatory sign before surgery (six [20%] recurrent cases of 30) compared with those who had no positive inflammatory signs before surgery (two [3.7%] recurrent cases of 54) (p < 0.05). The authors conclude that HSP recurrence occurs because of active inflammation of the dura before surgery and the influence of chronic inflammation, including residual arachnoiditis.     

Postoperative changes at the lower end of cervical laminoplasty: for preservation of the C7 spinous process in laminoplasty

INTRODUCTION: C3-C7 laminoplasty has been the standard treatment for cervical myelopathy, although several recent reports described C3-C6 laminoplasty for preserving the muscles inserting in C7 and reducing postoperative axial symptoms. However, postoperative changes at C6/C7 of the lower end of C3-C6 laminoplasty, especially regarding a possibility of postoperative spinal canal narrowing have not been measured. The purpose of this study was to clarify postoperative changes at the lower end of laminoplasty. METHODS: Pre and postoperative spinal dura diameter at the lower end of conventional C3-C7 laminoplasty using MRI, and the related factors for spinal dura diameter and the causes of postoperative dura narrowing were investigated. RESULTS: At the last follow-up after C3-C7 laminoplasty, dura diameter at C7/T1 was significantly wider after operation than before operation, and postoperative narrowing of dura diameter, which was found in 20% of patients, was a maximum amount of one millimeter. No pre and postoperative factor significantly correlated with dura diameter at C7/T1. The causes of postoperative narrowing at the lower end of laminoplasty were disc protrusion and/or posterior scar, or segmental angulation of the spinal cord. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the presence of preoperative subarachnoid space over one millimeter at C6/C7 may be able to be one of the radiological indications for C3-C6 laminoplasty.     

C3-6 laminoplasty takes over C3-7 laminoplasty with significantly lower incidence of axial neck pain

Five-lamina (C3-7) procedure is the most popular cervical laminoplasty and there have been no studies on the most appropriate number of laminae to be opened. We prospectively reduced the range of laminoplasty from C3-7 to C3-6 in 2002 and compared the outcome of C3-6 laminoplasty (n=37) to that of C3-7 laminoplasty (n=28). In both groups, neurological gain was satisfactory, radiographic changes were minimal, and postoperative MRI indicated sufficient expansion of the dura and the spinal cord. Average operating period was significantly shorter, and length of the operative wound was significantly less in the C3-6 group than in the C3-7 group. Postoperative axial neck pain was significantly rarer after C3-6 laminoplasty than after C3-7 laminoplasty (5.4% vs. 29%, P=0.015). Due to its simplicity and various benefits, C3-6 laminoplasty is a promising alternative to conventional C3-7 laminoplasty for treatment of multisegmental compression myelopathy.     

The value of dynamic cervical MRI in management of selected patients presenting traumatic cervical cord injury

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe our experience with dynamic cervical MRI for detection of cervical spinal cord instability in patients presenting spinal cord trauma without fracture or dislocation of the spinal column. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Since January 2000 a total of 95 patients presenting spinal cord trauma have been treated in our department. All patients underwent MRI for diagnostic work-up. Dynamic MRI was performed if spinal cord instability was suspected. Whenever possible, high-quality plain radiography dynamic views were obtained (coma, severe deficit, study of the cervicothoracic junction). RESULTS: Dynamic MRI allowed diagnosis of spinal cord instability in 6 patients with a mean age of 65 years (range, 45 to 75). Instability occurred during extension in 4 patients and during flexion and extension in one case. In the remaining case instability was associated with herniation of a cervical disc due to a severe cervical sprain. All 6 patients underwent early surgical stabilization that allowed improvement in-hospital patient care and quick transfer to rehabilitation centers. CONCLUSION: Dynamic MRI can be a useful tool to detect unstable spinal cord instability in some patients presenting noncompressive spinal cord injuries.     

Is extensive cervical laminoplasty an effective treatment for spinal cord sarcoidosis combined with cervical spondylosis?

Patients with neurosarcoidosis are usually initially treated with steroid administration even when they have concomitant cord compression on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Operative intervention may be indicated in patients with spinal cord sarcoidosis requiring either tissue biopsy for diagnosis or associated with progressive neurologic symptoms. However, there have been no previous reports describing clinical outcomes of laminoplasty for spinal cord sarcoidosis. The objectives of this study are to investigate whether extensive cervical laminoplasty is an effective treatment for spinal cord sarcoidosis combined with spondylotic changes and/or cervical spinal canal stenosis. Open-door laminoplasty was performed in three patients with spinal cord sarcoidosis. All patients received intensive corticosteroid therapy after the operation MRI imaging was performed in all patients before and after the operation. Operative outcomes were not satisfactory and the clinical courses of the patients fluctuated after corticosteroid therapy. Daily life activities were not significantly improved after treatments in any of the three patients, and in the long-term follow-up period the clinical course of one patient was one of inexorable deterioration to a state of quadriplegia. The possibility of spinal cord sarcoidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis, when a distinct high signal intensity area is observed within the spinal cord on T2-weighted MR images in patients with spondylotic changes. Laminoplasty is not an effective intervention for the treatment of spinal cord sarcoidosis even when patients have spondylotic changes and/or a constitutionally narrowing cervical spinal canal. Patients with neurosarcoidosis should be treated first with steroid administration even when they have concomitant cord compression on MRI.     

Cervical alignment and range of motion after laminoplasty: radiographical data from more than 500 cases with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and a review of the literature

STUDY DESIGN.: A large-scale analysis of radiographical results of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and a review of the literature. OBJECTIVE.: To identify changes in sagittal alignment and range of motion (ROM) after cervical laminoplasty. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Cervical laminoplasty is an effective procedure for decompressing multilevel spinal cord compression. It often induces postoperative complications such as loss of lordotic alignment and restriction of neck motion. Although numerous studies have reported the loss of flexion-extension ROM after laminoplasty, no large-scale study has been reported. METHODS.: Five hundred twenty consecutive patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (331 male and 189 female; mean age, 62.2 yr) who underwent modified double-door laminoplasty were enrolled. The average follow-up period was 33.3 months. All patients were allowed to sit up and walk on the first postoperative day using an orthosis, which could be removed within the first 2 weeks, even if long. Early cervical ROM exercises were performed as a part of the rehabilitation schedule. Radiography was performed before surgery and at the final follow-up. Cervical alignment in the neutral and flexion-extension view were measured by the Cobb method at C2-C7. The ROM was assessed by measuring the difference in alignment between flexion and extension. RESULTS.: The mean C2-C7 alignment in the neutral position was 11.9° lordotic preoperatively and 13.6° lordotic postoperatively; the alignment increased by 1.8° in lordosis. The mean total ROM decreased from a preoperative value of 40.1° to 33.5° at the final follow-up, showing a significant difference of 6.6°. The mean total ROM preservation after laminoplasty was 87.9%. CONCLUSION.: Sagittal alignment was slightly changed, with only a 1.8° increase in lordosis. The ROM of the cervical spine was preserved by 87.9%. This preservation of alignment and ROM might be attributable to improvements including early removal of the cervical orthosis, postoperative neck exercises, and some surgical modifications.     

Idiopathic herniation of the thoracic spinal cord: report of three cases

STUDY DESIGN: Cases are reported and the literature is reviewed. OBJECTIVE: To present three cases involving idiopathic herniation of the thoracic cord. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Idiopathic spinal cord herniation is a very rare condition. Only 20 cases have been reported. The radiographic and intraoperative findings concerning this herniation remain insufficient, and its pathophysiology is less understood. METHODS: Idiopathic herniation of the thoracic spine was managed operatively in the three cases. The clinical, radiologic, and intraoperative features in these cases are described, and the pathophysiology of this disorder is discussed from a review of the literature. RESULTS: Two of the three patients had a defect in the inner layer of the duplicated ventral dura mater through which the spinal cord was herniated. The third patient had a ventral epidural cyst into which the spinal cord had protruded. Operative reduction of the spinal cord improved motor power in all three patients, although sensory disturbance remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: There should be several types of idiopathic spinal cord herniation. This is the first report of this herniation that focuses the abnormalities of the ventral dura mater, together with image and intraoperative findings.     

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.     

发育性颈椎椎管狭窄症

测量５０例颈椎骨干标本，确定男１１ｍｍ，女１０ｍｍ以下为狭窄椎管。１０具成人固定标本观察在最大伸、屈位时，脊髓变短，硬膜褶皱，间盘黄韧带截面矢径变小。统计病人１３例，占同期颈椎病性脊髓病的１８．６％；年龄超过５０岁者１０例，９例病程超过半年。首发症状为进行性下肢麻木无力，颈、胸平面以下不同程度痛觉减退，锥体束征阳性。Ｘ线平片测量、脊髓造影、ＣＴ或ＣＴＭ皆示椎管发育性狭窄。行椎板切除１例，后路椎板扩大成形１２例，除椎板切除１例远期效果欠佳外，余皆有明显改进。作者提出了本症的特征及诊断条件，认为确诊后以单开门椎管扩大成形、棘突骨支撑植骨术为佳。