Perioperative Complications and Radiographic Outcomes Following Cervical Laminoplasty: A Review of 105 Cases from a Single Academic Center

Abstract

To assess complications and to compare preoperative and postoperative radiographic measures in patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty. We evaluated patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty between 2011 and 2022 at an academic medical center. Patient demographics, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and preoperative and postoperative radiographic parameters were recorded. Of 150 patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty during 2011-2022, 105 met the inclusion criteria. We identified 22 (21.0%) adverse events in 20 patients: 4 intraoperative (3.8%), 10 perioperative (9.5%), and 8 delayed postoperative (7.6%). Among adverse events, 13 (12.4%) were judged to be minor and 9 (8.6%) were judged to be major complications. Revision surgery was required in 6 (5.7%) patients. Both preoperative and postoperative cervical spine radiographic imaging was available in 47 (44.8%) of the 105 patients. Mean preoperative and postoperative C2-7 Cobb angles were 14.7° and 12.3°, respectively (P= 0.04). Mean preoperative and postoperative sagittal vertical axis measurements were 29.2 mm and 33.3 mm, respectively (P= 0.07). Mean preoperative and postoperative T1 slopes were 32.3° and 30.2°, respectively (P= 0.07). Cervical laminoplasty carries a significant risk of adverse events, the majority of which are minor, and has a low rate of reoperation (5.7%). The procedure does not result in significant changes in sagittal vertical axis or T1 slope. Cervical laminoplasty remains a valuable surgical option for selected patients with cervical myelopathy.