Cervical Open-door Laminoplasty Research Articles

Hidden blood loss in unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

This study aims to evaluate the hidden blood loss (HBL) and its possible risk factors after unilateral open-door cervical laminoplasty (UOCL) in patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM). Between January 2018 and March 2023, a total of 105 patients (55 males, 50 females; median age: 76 years; range, 52 to 93 years) who underwent C3-7 UOCL for MCSM were retrospectively analyzed. Data of the patients were recorded, including age, sex, height, weight, plasma albumin, blood glucose, hematocrit, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, surgical time, and intraoperative blood loss. The HBL was calculated according to the Sehat formula, and risk factors were identified. The median surgical time was 180.7 min. The median total blood loss (TBL) and median HBL were 507.4 mL and 201.7 mL, respectively. Correlation analyses revealed that body mass index and surgical time were correlated with HBL (p<0.05). However, multiple linear regression analysis showed that HBL was positively correlated with surgical time (β=0.293, p<0.05). Our study results showed that surgical time is an independent risk factor for HBL. Therefore, HBL should not be overlooked in patients with MCSM undergoing UOCL, particularly in the patients with expected long surgical time.

Biportal endoscopic cervical open-door laminoplasty to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

Although cervical laminoplasty is a frequently utilized surgical intervention for cervical spondylotic myelopathy, it is primarily performed using conventional open surgical techniques. We attempted the minimally invasive cervical laminoplasty using biportal endoscopic approach. Contralateral lamina access is facilitated by creating space through spinous process drilling, followed by lamina hinge formation. Subsequently, the incised lamina is elevated from ipsilateral aspect, and secure metal plate fixation is performed. We successfully performed the cervical open door laminoplasty using biportal endoscopic approach. Biportal endoscopic cervical open-door laminoplasty may be a minimally invasive technique that can prevent complications related with open surgery.

Biomechanical evaluation on a new type of vertebral titanium porous mini-plate and mechanical comparison between cervical open-door laminoplasty and laminectomy: a finite element analysis.

Objective: Compare the spine's stability after laminectomy (LN) and laminoplasty (LP) for two posterior surgeries. Simultaneously, design a new vertebral titanium porous mini plate (TPMP) to achieve firm fixation of the open-door vertebral LP fully. The objective is to enhance the fixation stability, effectively prevent the possibility of "re-closure," and may facilitate bone healing. Methods: TPMP was designed by incorporating a fusion body and porous structures, and a three-dimensional finite element cervical model of C2-T1 was constructed and validated. Load LN and LP finite element models, respectively, and analyze and simulate the detailed processes of the two surgeries. It was simultaneously implanting the TPMP into LP to evaluate its biomechanical properties. Results: We find that the range of motion (ROM) of C4-C5 after LN surgery was greater than that of LP implanted with different plates alone. Furthermore, flexion-extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation reflect this change. More noteworthy is that LN has a much larger ROM on C2-C3 in axial rotation. The ROM of LP implanted with two different plates is similar. There is almost no difference in facet joint stress in lateral bending. The facet joint stress of LN is smaller on C2-C3 and C4-C5, and larger more prominent on C5-C6 in the flexion-extension. Regarding intervertebral disc pressure (IDP), there is little difference between different surgeries except for the LN on C2-C3 in axial rotation. The plate displacement specificity does not significantly differ from LP with vertebral titanium mini-plate (TMP) and LP with TPMP after surgery. The stress of LP with TPMP is larger in C4-C5, C5-C6. Moreover, LP with TMP shows greater stress in the C3-C4 during flexion-extension and lateral bending. Conclusion: LP may have better postoperative stability when posterior approach surgery is used to treat CSM; at the same time, the new type of vertebral titanium mini-plate can achieve almost the same effect as the traditional titanium mini-plate after surgery for LP. In addition, it has specific potential due to the porous structure promoting bone fusion.

Analysis of risk factors for axial symptoms after posterior cervical open-door laminoplasty

BackgroundLaminoplasty (LP), a procedure commonly used to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), often results in the development of axial symptoms (AS) postoperatively. This study aims to analyze the risk factors associated with the occurrence of AS after LP.MethodsWe collected and evaluated clinical data from 264 patients with CSM who underwent LP treatment at our institution from January 2018 to January 2022 through a single-center retrospective study. Of the patients, 153 were male and 111 were female, with an average age of 58.1 ± 6.7 years. All patients underwent C3-7 posterior laminoplasty. Based on the occurrence of postoperative axial symptoms, the patients were divided into an AS group and a non-AS group. General information, including age, gender, disease duration, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, postoperation early function training, and collar-wearing time, was recorded and compared between the two groups. Surgical-related data, such as operative segments, surgical time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative facet joint destruction, and destruction of the C7 spinous process muscle insertion, were also compared. Imaging data, including preoperative cervical curvature, cervical range of motion, preoperative encroachment rate of the anterior spinal canal, and angle of laminar opening, were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for the development of AS after LP, and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to explore the optimal preoperative parameters.ResultsAll 264 patients successfully underwent surgery and were followed up for an average of 19.5 ± 6.8 months. At the 6-month follow-up, 117 patients were diagnosed with AS, resulting in an incidence rate of 40.2%. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that preoperative encroachment rate of anterior spinal canal (Pre-op ERASC), intraoperative facet joints destruction (Intra-op FJD), intraoperative open-door angle (Intra-op OA), destroy the C7 spinous process muscle insertion (Destroy C7 SPMI), postoperative loss of cervical curvature (Post-op LCC), and postoperative loss of cervical range of motion (Post-op LCROM) were independent risk factors for AS. Conversely, preoperative cervical curvature (Pre-op CC) and postoperation early function training (Post-op EFT) were protective factors against AS. According to the ROC curve, the cutoff values for preoperative anterior spinal canal occupation rate and preoperative cervical curvature were 28.5% and 16.5°, respectively. When the preoperative anterior spinal canal occupation rate was greater than 28.5% or the preoperative cervical curvature was less than 16.5°, AS was more likely to occur after surgery.ConclusionHigh preoperative anterior spinal canal occupation rate, facet joint damage during surgery, C7 spinous process muscle stop point damage, larger angle of laminar opening, and greater postoperative cervical curvature loss and cervical range of motion loss are associated with an increased risk of developing AS after cervical laminoplasty. Conversely, a larger preoperative cervical curvature and early postoperative functional exercises can help reduce the occurrence of AS.

Plate-only open-door laminoplasty is associated with durable, significantly improved clinical outcomes and a very low reoperation rate for progressive spondylosis or adjacent segment disease: average 8-year follow-up

Background ContextMultilevel cervical myelopathy is a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in adults. Surgical intervention via laminoplasty can provide satisfactory clinical outcomes by expansive decompression of the spinal cord. Traditional suture or bone graft techniques have been associated with insufficient fixation, leading to premature closure and subsequent neurological deterioration. In contrast, plated laminoplasty has been shown to provide stable fixation to maintain canal enlargement, but longer-term outcomes are lacking. PurposeTo evaluate longer-term clinical outcomes and reoperations associated with plate-only open-door laminoplasty. Study designRetrospective review of prospectively collected data. Patient SamplePostoperative patients who underwent plate-only open door laminoplasty with minimum 5-year follow up. Outcome Measuresmodified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). MethodsAll patients at a single academic institution who underwent plate-only open-door cervical laminoplasty from 9/1/2006 to 9/1/2016 were identified to ensure minimum 5 year follow up. Clinical outcomes included the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12). The occurrence of any repeat operations on the cervical spine was evaluated, as well as its cause. The study team attempted to contact all eligible patients to achieve at least 5 years postoperative follow-up. Pairwise t tests were performed to compare clinical outcomes at preoperative, 6 months, 1-year, and final postoperative follow-up with an α level of 0.05. ResultsA total of 774 met the initial inclusion criteria, of which 157 were included in the study (20.3%). Most common reasons for exclusion included inability to reach after 3 attempts (49.48%), inactive phone numbers (20.28%), and patient declining (3.49%). Included patients had an average age of 60.66±10.63 and an average follow-up time of 8.37±2.57 years (minimum 5 years). mJOA scores (preoperative 11.59±2.16) improved significantly at 6-months (14.57±2.07, p<.001), 1-year (15.19±1.95, p<.001), and final follow-up (14.59±2.63, p<.001). NDI (preoperative 33.89±18.54) improved significantly at 6 months (27.89±19.72, p=.03), 1-year (25.96±19.79, p=.01) and final follow-up (17.88±17.17, p<.001). SF-12 MCS (preoperative 44.73) improved significantly at 6 months (52.01, p=.001), 1-year (51.62, p=.008), and final follow-up (52.32, p<.001). No patient underwent reoperations for plate failure or canal closure with recurrent stenosis. Reoperations for progressive spondylosis during the follow up period were rare and occurred in only three patients for new onset radiculopathy (1.9%) and two patients for myelopathy (1.3%) at an average of 3.2 years postoperative. There were no reoperations performed for adjacent segment disease. ConclusionsAt a minimum of 5 years and an average of more than 8 years postoperative, laminoplasty was associated with significant and sustained improvements in mJOA, NDI, and SF-12 MCS. Importantly, no patients underwent revision surgery for plate failure or recurrent canal closure. Reoperations for new onset radiculopathy and myelopathy were also very rare over the 8-year average follow-up period, with no reoperations for adjacent segment disease. Plate-only laminoplasty is a durable means of treating multilevel myelopathy with excellent longer-term outcomes and a very low risk of reoperation, either for premature closure or the inevitable spondylotic changes that occur over time in patients with similar baseline characteristics to the study population.

Does hinge sidedness influence laterality of C5 palsy after expansile open-door cervical laminoplasty?

Cervical expansile open-door laminoplasties (EOLPs) have an open side and a hinge side, with the open side being bridged by grafts or miniplates. The authors explored the possibility that the open-door side might have a greater incidence of C5 palsy due to a greater stretch of the ipsilateral C5 nerve root. This study was a retrospective review of prospectively collected data over a period of 25 years specifically assessing surgical complications. Included were patients who underwent EOLP for myelopathy, radiculopathy, or mild central cord injuries (American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale [AIS] grade D). Exclusion criteria included preexisting C5 weakness; patients with AIS grade A, B, or C injury; and added instrumentation or additional surgical procedures. Patients were monitored postoperatively for C5 palsy or any other complications. A comparison group included patients who underwent cervical laminectomy and fusion (CLF). A total of 327 laminoplasties were collected, and 31 patients were excluded because of severe spinal cord injury (AIS grades A-C), 3 for preoperative C5 weakness, and 21 for instrumentation or additional surgical procedures. Thus, 272 patients were analyzed with a mean age of 59.9 years (range 22-88 years). Diagnoses at presentation were cervical myelopathy (84.1%), central cord syndrome (7.2%), cervical myeloradiculopathy (3.4%), ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (1.9%), and other (3.4%). The most common complications were C5 palsy (n = 7, 2.6%) and wound infection (n = 7, 2.6%). Of the 7 cases of postoperative C5 palsies in this study, 6 occurred on the side of the open door. Of the C5 palsies, 2 were mild, 3 were moderate, and 2 were severe. Two of the 7 C5 palsies had a delayed (> 24 hours) onset. The C5 palsy incidence after CLF was 2.7% with no side preference. C5 palsy after cervical decompression for myelopathy is a known occurrence, with a rate of 2.6% in the current study. The authors found that C5 palsies more commonly occur on the open side of the laminoplasty. This could be due to a greater manipulation of the nerve root on the side of the open door or greater stretch of the C5 root on the open-door side. If clinical symptoms and anatomical stenosis are symmetric, the authors recommend creating the laminoplasty hinge on the patient's dominant side to minimize potential loss of dominant proximal arm function.

A Novel Classification of Cervical Spine Trauma in Ankylosing Spondylitis and Corresponding Surgical Outcomes

Currently, there are no reports on the specific classification of cervical spine trauma (CST) in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on the trauma mechanism. In this study, we aimed to describe a novel classification of CST in AS with more details, and put forward the corresponding surgical outcomes related to different types, hoping to provide a practical reference for clinical decision-making and academic communication. From January 2008 to December 2021, AS patients who experienced CST were retrospectively reviewed and included. Clinical data including gender, age, reason of trauma, time interval between AS diagnosis and trauma were collected. The American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade system was used to describe patients' neurological status. Based on the combination of surgical experience and follow-up observation, the lower cervical spine trauma in AS patients was divided into three main types, namely single level fracture-dislocation (type 1), spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (type 2), and Andersson lesion (type 3). Furthermore, we performed detailed subtypes according to whether cervical spine was completely fused and the location of injury. Meanwhile, according to different approaches, surgical methods mainly included Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF), Posterior Expansive Open-door Cervical Laminoplasty (PEOLP), Posterior Cervical Laminectomy Decompression and Fusion (PCLDF), and their combination. Postoperative general and surgery-related complications were also recorded. A total of 102 patients were enrolled, including 91 males and 11 females, with an average age of 51.9 years. Their average interval time between AS diagnosis and injury was 27.8 years. Patients with high-energy and low-energy trauma were 54 and 48 respectively. There were 79 patients suffering spinal cord nerve impairment after trauma. With regard to the distribution of different types, the number of patients in type 1, type 2, and type 3 were 86, 14, and two, respectively. For different types, PCLDF was the most commonly used surgical method, accounting for 55.9%, while ACCF was only applied for one time. In type 1, the frequencies of ACDF, ACCF, PCLDF, and ACDF+PCLDF were 10.5%, 1.2%, 55.8%, and 32.5%. In type 2, the frequencies of ACDF, PCLDF, ACDF+PCLDF, and PEOLP were 7.1%, 50.0%, 7.1%, 35.8%. Postoperatively, 21 patients achieved neurological function improvement. The incidences of general and surgery-related complications were 19.6% and 5.9%, respectively. All patients achieved bone fusion and durable decompression at the last follow-up. Our novel classification could enrich the scope of CST in AS patients and provide valuable references to the corresponding clinical management. Besides, there are strict indications of different surgical methods, factors like patient's physical condition, trauma type, surgical purpose, and expected efficacy were all required to consider before making a clinical decision.

Impact of lamina-open side on unilateral open door laminoplasty in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy

Surgeons should select one side for cervical unilateral open door laminoplasty (UODL). However, few reports suggest proper guidelines for deciding which side to open. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of opening side in UODL on dominant cord compressive or symptomatic side. 193 degenerative cervical myeloradiculopathy patients with followed-up more than 2 years were enrolled. In all cases, UODL was performed uniformly on the right side. Patients were sub-grouped based on preoperative dominant 3 characteristics: cord compression, myelopathy symptom and radiculopathy symptom (right, symmetric, left). Pre- and postoperative radiographic and clinical parameters and incidence of postoperative C5 palsy were analyzed and compared among the groups. According to dominant compressive side, there were no significant differences in postoperative radiographic and clinical parameters among three groups. According to dominant myelopathy or radiculopathy symptom side, there were no significant differences of all radiographic and clinical parameters postoperatively, except slightly lower neck VAS in groups of preoperative right dominant myelopathy or radiculopathy symptom side at postoperative 1 month. C5 palsies occurred in twelve patients (6.2%), but the incidences were not different among the groups. Therefore, when performing UODL, the choice of lamina opening side can be left to surgeon’s preference.

Comparison of the Degree of Expanded Spinal Canal Area between the Hinge-Side Area and the Open-Side Area in Cervical Open-Door Laminoplasty.

There have been reports on the significant canal cross-sectional area (CSA) expansion difference between pre- and post-operation, but no comparison of CSA expansion between the hinge-side area (Area H) and the open-side area (Area O) has been reported. This study aimed to measure the spinal CSA expansion between Area H and Area O retrospectively after open-door laminoplasty using new titanium spacers and evaluated this common decompression procedure's effectiveness. This study included 27 patients diagnosed with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy or myelopathy, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and developmental canal stenosis from February 2021 to October 2022. The CSA difference between pre- and post-cervical laminoplasty (C4-C6 levels) was measured with cervical transverse computed tomography scan images. The CSA difference in Area H and Area O between pre- and post-laminoplasty was similarly calculated. The spinal canal areas of each segment after open-door laminoplasty were significantly enlarged (P < 0.05). Area O was also significantly enlarged compared to that of Area H (P < 0.05). Area O was more enlarged than Area H, and both sides were statistically enlarged after open-door laminoplasty.

Comparison of blood loss between tranexamic acid-soaked absorbable Gelfoam and topical retrograde injection via drainage catheter plus clamping in cervical laminoplasty surgery

BackgroundTo compare the safety and efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA)-soaked absorbable Gelfoam and the retrograde injection of TXA through a drain with drain-clamping in degenerative cervical laminoplasty patients.MethodsPatients were assigned into either TXA retrograde injection (TXA-RI), TXA-soaked absorbable Gelfoam (TXA-Gel), or control groups. The demographics, operative measurements, volume and length of drainage, length of hospital stay, complete blood cell count, coagulopathy, postoperative complications, and blood transfusion were recorded.ResultsWe enrolled 133 patients, with 44, 44, and 45 in the TXA-RI, TXA-Gel, and control groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics did not differ significantly among the three groups. The TXA-RI group exhibited a lower volume and length of postoperative drainage compared to the TXA-Gel and control groups (126.60 ± 31.27 vs. 156.60 ± 38.63 and 275.45 ± 75.27 mL; 49.45 ± 9.70 vs 58.70 ± 10.46 and 89.31 ± 8.50 hours, all P < 0.01). The TXA-RI group also had significantly shorter hospital stays compared to the control group (5.31 ± 1.18 vs 7.50 ± 1.25 days, P < 0.05) and higher hemoglobin and hematocrit levels (12.58 ± 1.67 vs 11.28 ± 1.76 g/dL; 36.62 ± 3.66% vs 33.82 ± 3.57%, both P < 0.05) at hospital discharge. In the TXA-RI and TXA-Gel groups, the D-dimmer (DD) and fibrinogen (FIB) were significantly lower than those in the control group after surgery (P < 0.05). None of the patients required blood transfusion. No complications, including thromboembolic events, were reported.ConclusionTopical retrograde injection of TXA through a drain with drain-clamping at the conclusion of unilateral posterior cervical expansive open-door laminoplasty may effectively reduce postoperative blood loss and the length of hospital stays without increasing postoperative complications.

Popeye's sign and transthyretin amyloidosis.

A 76-year-old man with a history of cervical open-door laminoplasty for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament presented to our hospital with a symptom of exertional dyspnoea. A 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed I-degree atrioventricular block (PQ interval 262 ms), left axis deviation, and complete right bundle branch block (Panel A). A transthoracic echocardiogram indicated left ventricular hypertrophy with a maximum wall thickness of 17 mm and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 61% (Panel B1). Strain echocardiogram using speckled tracking showed marked diminution of global longitudinal strain with apical sparing (Panel B2). Physical examination found subconjunctival hemorrhage in right eye, several purpuric lesions in upper extremities, and a large bulge on his left upper arm when he flexed his arm, so-called Popeye’s sign, indicating a hallmark of biceps tendon rupture (see Supplementary material online, Video S1; Panel C; arrow). A monoclonal component was not detected by serum and urine immune-electrophoresis and free light chain assays. 99mTc-labelled bone scintigraphy showed grade 3 myocardial uptake (Panel D). Eventually, endomyocardial biopsy and genetic sequencing analysis of the transthyretin gene confirmed the patient as a wild-type transthyretin amyloidosis (Panel E). Popeye’s sign is uncommon, but pivotal to diagnose transthyretin amyloidosis.

Anatomical considerations for appropriate mini-plate positioning in open-door laminoplasty to avoid plate impingement and screw facet violation

This study aimed to describe a safe zone for mini-plate positioning that can avoid instrument-related complications in laminoplasty. Fifty-one patients who underwent laminoplasty and were followed up for at least 1 year were retrospectively reviewed. The posterior surface length and inferior pole angle of the lateral mass were measured at each level using computed tomography. The safe zone was defined based on these measurements. Incidences of screw facet violation and plate impingement were recorded. Patient-reported outcome measures were compared between the appropriate position (AP) and inappropriate position (IP) groups. Among 40 patients included, 15 (37.5%) had inappropriate plate positioning, causing screw facet violation or plate impingement, which more commonly occurred at distal (C5, C6) and proximal (C3, C4) levels, respectively. Lateral mass posterior surface length was shorter at the proximal levels, and the inferior pole angle of the lateral mass was smaller at the distal levels, signifying that the lateral mass became thin and long at the distal levels. Patient-reported outcome measures were not significantly different between the two groups. However, cervical range of motion at the final follow-up was significantly less in the IP group (p = 0.01). The suggested safe zone demonstrates that inserting the mini-plate with plate-to-lateral mass inferior pole distances of 4–5 mm and 5–6 mm at the C3–C5 and C6–C7 levels, respectively, would avoid instrument-related complications. The risk of plate impingement was higher at the proximal level, whereas the risk of screw facet violation was higher at the distal level in open-door cervical laminoplasty. These risks coincide with anatomical differences at each level. Despite inappropriate positioning of the mini-plate, clinical outcomes were not adversely affected.

Relationship between hinge fracture and postoperative axial symptoms after cervical laminoplasty

Objective To identify the clinical characteristics of fractured hinges after open-door cervical laminoplasty for cervical canal stenosis and explore the relationship between hinge fractures and axial symptoms. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients with cervical myelopathy who underwent open-door laminoplasty between November 2014 and November 2016 at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. Cervical CT scans were performed after surgery and the Takeuchi criteria were applied to evaluate the postoperative axial symptoms. Results Of 223 opened laminae in 67 patients, 67 laminae (30.0%) in 30 patients (44.8%) showed fracture. The frequency of hinge fractures was higher at C6 (53.7%). Forty-nine fractured laminae (73.13%) were non-displaced and 18 were displaced. At 3 months, 33 fractured laminae (49.3%) showed bony union on CT, and union rates were 86.6% and 91.0% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, indicating that the union rate was lower for displaced fractures than for non-displaced fractures. Among the 67 patients, 14 had axial symptoms: three of 37 (8.1%) patients without hinge fractures and 11 of 30 (36.7%) patients with hinge fractures. One year later, the hinge fractures were healed in 24/30 patients. Among the six unhealed patients, five still suffered from axial symptoms. The frequency of axial symptoms was higher in the patients with three or more hinge fractures (66.7%) than in the patients with only one (16.7%) or two (46.7%) hinge fractures. Conclusions Patients with hinge fractures may have an increased risk for axial symptoms after open-door cervical laminoplasty. The frequency of axial symptoms decreases with fracture healing.

Preoperatively, Which Parameter Allows Us to Predict the C5 Palsy After Cervical Open-Door Laminoplasty?

To uncover factors that can predict the development of C5 palsy before surgery by evaluating several different parameters. A total of 177 patients who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2020 were included in the study. In total, C5 palsy was observed in 22 (12.4%) of our patients. The radiological and clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed and added to the data. A total of 177 patients who satisfied the criteria were included in the study, among whom 117 (66.1%) and 60 (33.9%) were male and female, respectively. Patients with ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) (92; 52.0%) needed surgery the most. C5 palsy developed in 16/92 (17.3%) patients who had surgery for OPLL. This result was statistically significant (p < 0.001). However, a significant difference in the postoperative Pavlov ratio was noted between both groups (p=0.027). The foraminal dimensions for the C5 palsy group were significantly lower than those for the non-C5 palsy group. Smaller C5 root foramina diameter measurements were the most important predictive factor for the development of C5 palsy after open-door cervical laminoplasty. Although the pathophysiology remains to be fully understood, ischemia-reperfusion injury supposedly plays a role therein.

Open-door cervical laminoplasty for management of cervical myelopathy

Open-door cervical laminoplasty for management of cervical myelopathy

Does Cigarette Smoking Affect Cervical Laminoplasty Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes?

Retrospective review. This study aimed to investigate if smokers have both poorer early clinical and radiologic outcomes in cervical laminoplasty when compared with nonsmokers. Cigarette smoking had been reported to increase rates of pseudoarthrosis following spinal instrumentation with fusion. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent open-door cervical laminoplasty was performed. Nurick, neck pain visual analog scale, and neck disability index scores were reviewed. Cervical lordosis, range of motion (ROM), and intervertebral disc height were measured. The rates and reasons for revision surgery were recorded and classified according to the etiology of laminoplasty revision surgery. Sixty patients were recruited, of which 20 patients (18 males, 2 females) were smokers and 40 patients (27 males, 13 females) were nonsmokers. There was no statistically significant difference between smokers and nonsmokers in preoperative and postoperative visual analog scale, neck disability index, and Nurick scores. A trend was noted toward a greater postoperative reduction in cervical lordosis (13±8 vs. 11±11 degrees). Furthermore, 41% of smokers versus 30% in nonsmokers had >10% loss of postoperative ROM, and 59% smokers versus 50% nonsmokers had >5% loss of postoperative ROM.Postoperative complications and intervertebral disc deterioration were similar in both groups. A higher reoperation rate was noted in smokers with 6 smokers (30%) as compared with 4 nonsmokers (10%), although this did not reach statistical significance. Among the smokers, 4 (20%) were because of cervical disease progression while 2 were technique related. In nonsmokers, all 4 (10%) were because of cervical disease progression. This study showed that while there was a nonstatistically significant trend noted toward higher rates of revision surgery in smokers, the laminoplasty outcomes were not significantly poorer in smokers. In heavy smokers with multilevel cervical myelopathy, laminoplasty may be the treatment of choice over anterior spinal decompression and fusion where a high risk of pseudoarthrosis is anticipated.

Efficacy of Posterior Cervical Laminectomy and Decompression plus Lateral Mass Screw-Rod Internal Fixation in the Treatment of Multisegment Cervical Spinal Canal Stenosis and Effects on Cervical Curvature and Range of Motion Parameters.

Objective To investigate the clinical effects of posterior laminectomy and decompression plus lateral mass screw-rod internal fixation for the treatment of multisegment cervical spinal canal stenosis and the improvement of cervical curvature and range of motion in patients. Methods A total of 68 patients with multisegment cervical spinal stenosis who were treated in our hospital from January 2019 to June 2020 were selected and randomly divided into the control group and the observation group according to the random number table, with 34 patients in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with traditional posterior cervical open-door laminoplasty with silk suture fixation, while those in the observation group were treated with posterior cervical laminectomy and decompression plus lateral mass screw-rod internal fixation. The perioperative index of patients in the two groups was recorded, and the clinical efficacy of patients was evaluated. The patient's JOA score, cervical physiological curvature, and cervical range of motion were evaluated. The occurrence of complications was recorded during follow-up. Results The amount of intraoperative bleeding and postoperative rehabilitation training time in the observation group was less than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups (P > 0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). The JOA scores at 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months after operation in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The physiological curvature of cervical spine in the observation group at 1 week, 6 months, and 12 months after operation was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The cervical range of motion at 12 months after operation in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in patients of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Posterior laminectomy and decompression plus lateral mass screw-rod internal fixation can help patients to improve various clinical symptoms caused by nerve compression and obtain better improvement of cervical curvature and range of motion. It is an ideal surgical method for the treatment of multisegment cervical spinal canal stenosis, and it is conducive to improving the clinical efficacy of patients.

C7 Fracture as a Complication of C7 Dome-Like Laminectomy : Impact on Clinical and Radiological Outcomes and Evaluation of the Risk Factors.

ObjectiveCervical expansive laminoplasty is an effective surgical method to address multilevel cervical spinal stenosis. During surgery, the spinous processes of C2 and C7 are usually preserved to keep the insertion points of the cervical musculature and nuchal ligament intact. In this regard, dome-like laminectomy (undercutting of C7 lamina) instead of laminoplasty is performed on C7 in selected cases. However, resection of the lamina can weaken the C7 lamina, and stress fractures may occur, but this complication has not been characterized in the literature. The objective of the present study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for C7 laminar fracture after C7 dome-like laminectomy and its impact on clinical and radiological outcomes. MethodsPatients who underwent cervical open-door laminoplasty combined with C7 dome-like laminectomy (n=123) were classified according to the presence of C7 laminar fracture. Clinical parameters (neck/arm pain score and neck disability index) and radiologic parameters (C2–7 angle, C2–7 sagittal vertical axis, and C7–T1 angle) were compared between the groups preoperatively and at postoperatively at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Risk factors for complications were evaluated, and a formula estimating C7 fracture risk was suggested. ResultsC7 lamina fracture occurred in 32/123 (26%) patients and occurred at the bilateral isthmus in 29 patients and at the spinolaminar junction in three patients. All fractures appeared on X-ray within 3 months postoperatively, but patients did not present any neurological deterioration. The fracture spontaneously healed in 27/32 (84%) patients at 1 year and in 29/32 (91%) at 2 years. During follow-up, clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the groups. However, patients with C7 fractures showed a more lordotic C2–7 angle and kyphotic C7–T1 angle than patients without C7 fractures. C7 fracture was significantly associated with the extent of bone removal. By incorporating significant factors, the probability of C7 laminar fracture could be assessed with the formula 'Risk score = 1.08 × depth (%) + 1.03 × length (%, of the posterior height of C7 vertebral body)', and a cut-off value of 167.9% demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 65.1% (area under the curve, 0.81). ConclusionC7 laminar fracture can occur after C7 dome-like laminectomy when a substantial amount of lamina is resected. Although C7 fractures may not cause deleterious clinical outcomes, they can lead to an unharmonized cervical curvature. The chance of C7 fracture should be discussed in the shared decision-making process.

Investigation of revision surgery following microscopic cervical open-door laminoplasty

Investigation of revision surgery following microscopic cervical open-door laminoplasty

Effect of Titanium Miniplate Fixation on Hinge Fracture and Hinge Fracture Displacement Following Cervical Open-Door Laminoplasty

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a neuromotor disorder responsible for functional limitations and decreased daily activities. Expansive open-door laminoplasty is the widely accepted procedure for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. Among the various fixation procedures to secure the open lamina, miniplate fixation provides better clinical and radiological outcomes. However, the immediate effects on hinge fracture and hinge fracture displacement following miniplate fixation have not been proven until now. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the impact of cervical open-door angle on the status of spinal cord expansion and hinge fracture, hinge fracture displacement, and the role of implants used during surgery. For this retrospective study, 122 patients who had undergone surgery from September 2016 to November 2017 with preoperative and postoperative radiographs were enrolled. Clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed before and after surgery. There were no significant differences in demographics, surgery time, blood loss, medical comorbidities, or perioperative and postoperative complications between 2 groups. The recovery rate and Nurick score before and at the follow-up show no statistical significance between the 2 groups, P value > .05 (P = .672) and P > .05 (P = .553), respectively. The statistical analysis shows that the mean hinge fracture in the miniplate group with a cervical open angle >30° was 2.42 ± 1.68 and with a <30° open angle, 0.05 ± 0.23; whereas, in the anchor group the mean hinge fracture in >30° cervical open angle was 2.227 ± 2.50 and in <30° was 0.409 ± 0.503. The results revealed statistical significance between 2 implant groups, P = .024 in the aspect of hinge fracture displacement and implant used. Laminoplasty by titanium miniplate fixation holds the laminae securely, prevents hinge fracture displacement, and promotes spinal cord expansion better than suture anchor fixation.