Management of cervical polyradiculopathy through multisegmental laminoforaminotomies

Abstract

IntroductionPosterior cervical laminoforaminotomy and discectomy remain as viable options for the treatment of foraminal stenosis or lateral herniated discs with radiculopathy. In contrast to the anterior approach, it does not entail fusion. ObjectiveIs to assess the clinical outcome of multisegmental laminoforaminotomies in patients suffering cervical polyradiculopathy. MethodsThirty-six patients suffering from cervical polyradiculopathy were operated through multisegmental laminoforaminotomies. ResultsA total of a hundred-twenty-one laminoforaminotomies were performed with an average of 2.7 segments (range 2–4) and 3.36±1.3 laminoforaminotomies per patient (range 2–6). Bilateral foraminotomies on the same level were performed in 21 levels. An excellent and good outcome according to modified Odom’s criteria was reported in thirty patients (83.3%), while 5 patients (13%) had a fair outcome and finally with a case of poor outcome (2.7) due to the occurrence of C5 palsy. ConclusionCervical laminoforaminotomy is an effective technique in addressing multisegmental cervical radicular compression. Moreover, this technique eliminates the need of fusion and possible internal fixation, which are essential if the alternative anterior procedure was performed; thus, reducing the overall cost and morbidity.