Long-term follow-up of clinical and radiological outcome after cervical laminectomy

A comparison of clinical and radiological outcomes following laminectomy and laminectomy with fusion in patients of cervical spondylotic myelopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the functional and radiological outcomes in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) when treated by Laminectomy (LC) vs. laminectomy with instrumented fusion (LCF). The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A systematic electronic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases. All Studies comparing clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with CSM when treated with LCF and LC were included in the systematic review. Neuromuscular function measured by modified Japanese orthopaedic association (mJOA), Cervical lordosis measured by C2-C7 Cobb's angle, and data on complications were retrieved from the studies. Random effect meta-analysis was used to account for heterogeneity. Quality assessment was performed using ROBINS-I and ROB-2 tools. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE working group recommendations. A total of 3985 articles were retrieved from the databases, of which 9 articles (1 RCT, 8 controlled comparative trials; n = 1146) met the eligibility criteria. The improvement in mJOA showed results favouring laminectomy with fusion with an SMD of 0.45 (95% CI, 0.07-0.84; p = 0.02). The loss of cervical lordosis was significantly lesser in the laminectomy with fusion group with an SMD of - 0.454 (95% CI, (- 0.12) - (- 0.79), p = 0.01). The complication rate in the LCF group was lower (LogOR = - 0.92; 95% CI: (- 1.30) - (- 0.55); p = < 0.05). In CSM, laminectomy with fusion is superior to standalone laminectomy in terms of improvement in m-JOA, maintenance of cervical lordosis and reduction in complications.

Cervical kyphosis after posterior cervical laminectomy with and without fusion

BACKGROUND

Cervical posterior instrumentation and fusion is often performed to avoid post-laminectomy kyphosis. However, larger comparative analyses of cervical laminectomy with or without fusion are sparse.

METHODS

A retrospective, two-center, comparative cohort study included patients after stand-alone dorsal laminectomy with (n = 91) or without (n = 46) additional fusion for degenerative cervical myelopathy with a median follow-up of 59 (interquartile range (IQR) 52) months. The primary outcome was the C2-7 Cobb angle and secondary outcomes were Neck Disability Index (NDI), modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scale, revision rates, T1 slope and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA) at final follow-up. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders (i.e. age, operated levels, and follow-up).

RESULTS

Preoperative C2-7 Cobb angle and T1 slope were higher in the laminectomy group, while the C2-7 SVA was similar. The decrease in C2-7 Cobb angle from pre- to postoperatively was more pronounced in the laminectomy group (- 6° (IQR 20) versus -1° (IQR 7), p = 0.002). When adjusting for confounders, the decrease in C2-7 Cobb angle remained higher in the laminectomy group (coefficient - 12 (95% confidence interval (CI) -18 to -5), p = 0.001). However, there were no adjusted differences for postoperative NDI (- 11 (- 23 to 2), p = 0.10), mJOA, revision rates, T1 slope and C2-7 SVA.

CONCLUSION

Posterior cervical laminectomy without fusion is associated with mild loss of cervical lordosis of around 6° in the mid-term after approximately five years, however without any clinical relevance regarding NDI or mJOA in well-selected patients (particularly in shorter segment laminectomies of < 3 levels).

Long-Term Results After Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a frequent cause of spinal cord dysfunction, and surgical treatment is considered safe and effective. Long-term results after surgery are limited. This study investigated long-term clinical outcomes through data from the Norwegian registry for spine surgery.

METHODS

Patients operated at the university hospitals serving Central and Northern Norway were approached for long-term follow-up after 3 to 8 years. The primary outcome was change in the Neck Disability Index, and the secondary outcomes were changes in the European Myelopathy Scale score, quality of life (EuroQoL EQ-5D); numeric rating scales (NRS) for headache, neck pain, and arm pain; and perceived benefit of surgery assessed by the Global Perceived Effect scale from 1 year to long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

We included 144 patients operated between January 2013 and June 2018. In total, 123 participants (85.4%) provided patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at long-term follow-up. There was no significant change in PROMs from 1 year to long-term follow-up, including Neck Disability Index (mean 1.0, 95% CI -2.1-4.1, P = .53), European Myelopathy Scale score (mean -0.3, 95% CI -0.7-0.1, P = .09), EQ-5D index score (mean -0.02, 95% CI -0.09-0.05, P = .51), NRS neck pain (mean 0.3 95% CI -0.2-0.9, P = .22), NRS arm pain (mean -0.1, 95% CI -0.8-0.5, P = .70), and NRS headache (mean 0.4, 95% CI -0.1-0.9, P = .11). According to Global Perceived Effect assessments, 106/121 patients (87.6%) reported to be stable or improved ("complete recovery," "much better," "slightly better," or "unchanged") at long-term follow-up compared with 88.1% at 1 year. Dichotomizing the outcome data based on severity of DCM did not demonstrate significant changes either.

CONCLUSION

Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing surgery for DCM demonstrates persistence of statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement across a wide range of PROMs.

Effect of T1 Slope on Disappearance of Cervical Lordosis after Posterior Cervical Double-Door Laminoplasty Based on Medical Informatics

Cervical sagittal balance plays a pivotal role in spine surgeries as it has a significant impact on the clinical outcomes in cervical spine surgery. Image processing techniques have significantly improved the accuracy and precision of cervical surgical techniques. This study aims to investigate the effects of T1 slope (T1s) on the disappearance of cervical lordosis after posterior cervical double-door laminoplasty using medical informatics and radiographic measures. To do so, we determined and measured the loss of T1s and cervical lordosis during the postoperative follow-up period in patients with double-door posterior cervical laminoplasty. Patients (n = 40) who underwent posterior cervical double-door laminoplasty participated in this study. For all patients, the difference between the preoperative T1s (angle between the upper edge of T1 and the horizontal line) and preoperative and postoperative cervical lordosis (Cobb method) was estimated, and the linear relationship between the two was statistically analyzed to observe the influence of preoperative T1s on postoperative cervical lordosis disappearance. The average preoperative T1s was 23.54°, and the average preoperative cervical lordosis angle was 8.50°. After 1-20 months of follow-up (mean = 9.53 months), the average postoperative cervical lordosis was 8.50°, and the average loss of cervical lordosis was 0.22°. Twenty cases had different degrees of lordosis angle loss after the operation, with an average loss of 9.31°. All patients were divided into groups A and B, according to a mean value of T1s = 23.54°, of which T1S > 23.54° was group A and T1s < 23.54 was group B. Cervical lordosis was quantified by the C2-C7 Cobb angle. The Cobb angle difference of cervical lordosis was measured before and after the operation, and its correlation with preoperative T1s was assessed. The preoperative Cobb angle and cervical curvature changes in the two groups were statistically compared, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The group with a T1s > 23.54° had greater loss of preoperative Cobb angle and cervical curvature. In group A, the mean preoperative cervical disability index (NDI) was 32.4 ± 3.4, and the mean postoperative NDI score was 16.5 ± 2.1. The mean preoperative VAS scores of neck pain and neck pain were 5.41 ± 1.1 and 5.55 ± 0.3, respectively, and the improvement in neck pain was -0.2%. The mean preoperative NDI in group B was 30.1 ± 2.9, and the mean postoperative NDI score was 11.5 ± 3.1. The mean VAS score for preoperative neck pain was 5.11 ± 1.2, that for postoperative neck pain was 4.18 ± 0.7, and that for neck pain improved by 18%. There was a significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.05). The disappearance of cervical lordosis after posterior cervical double-door laminoplasty is an important cause of postoperative cervical spine pain. The T1s is meaningful for predicting the loss of postoperative curvature in patients undergoing posterior cervical double-door laminoplasty. This is especially true for patients with good preoperative cervical curvature without ankylosis and kyphosis but with a wide T1s.

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy with severe axial neck pain: is anterior or posterior approach better?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or posterior cervical laminectomy and fusion (PCLF) is superior for patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and high preoperative neck pain.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data using the Quality Outcomes Database (QOD) CSM module. Patients who received a subaxial fusion of 3 or 4 segments and had a visual analog scale (VAS) neck pain score of 7 or greater at baseline were included. The 3-, 12-, and 24-month outcomes were compared for patients undergoing ACDF with those undergoing PCLF.

RESULTS

Overall, 1141 patients with CSM were included in the database. Of these, 495 (43.4%) presented with severe neck pain (VAS score > 6). After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we compared 65 patients (54.6%) undergoing 3- and 4-level ACDF and 54 patients (45.4%) undergoing 3- and 4-level PCLF. Patients undergoing ACDF had worse Neck Disability Index scores at baseline (52.5 ± 15.9 vs 45.9 ± 16.8, p = 0.03) but similar neck pain (p > 0.05). Otherwise, the groups were well matched for the remaining baseline patient-reported outcomes. The rates of 24-month follow-up for ACDF and PCLF were similar (86.2% and 83.3%, respectively). At the 24-month follow-up, both groups demonstrated mean improvements in all outcomes, including neck pain (p < 0.05). In multivariable analyses, there was no significant difference in the degree of neck pain change, rate of neck pain improvement, rate of pain-free achievement, and rate of reaching minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in neck pain between the two groups (adjusted p > 0.05). However, ACDF was associated with a higher 24-month modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale (mJOA) score (β = 1.5 [95% CI 0.5-2.6], adjusted p = 0.01), higher EQ-5D score (β = 0.1 [95% CI 0.01-0.2], adjusted p = 0.04), and higher likelihood for return to baseline activities (OR 1.2 [95% CI 1.1-1.4], adjusted p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Severe neck pain is prevalent among patients undergoing surgery for CSM, affecting more than 40% of patients. Both ACDF and PCLF achieved comparable postoperative neck pain improvement 3, 12, and 24 months following 3- or 4-segment surgery for patients with CSM and severe neck pain. However, multilevel ACDF was associated with superior functional status, quality of life, and return to baseline activities at 24 months in multivariable adjusted analyses.

Long-Term Follow-Up After Cervical Laminectomy without Fusion for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

OBJECTIVE

The objectives were to study the effect of cervical laminectomy without fusion on the incidence of further cervical surgeries, the risk for cervical misalignment, and current functional status.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 340 patients who had undergone simple laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) at Helsinki University Hospital between 2000 and 2011.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients (12.1%) had later undergone another cervical surgery during the follow-up of a mean of 8.5 years (maximum, 17.5 years). The most common indication for further surgery was residual stenosis at adjacent or other cervical levels (34%). Five patients (1%) required further surgery for correction of a sagittal balance problem. The mean Neck Disability Index was 28% at a median of 9.0 years after laminectomy. The mean EQ-5D (EuroQol 5 Dimension 3 Level) index score was 58.8 for patients and 77.2 for age-matched and gender-matched general population controls (P = 0.000), indicating patients' reduced health-related quality of life. Worse preoperative condition in the Nurick score was related to a lower (i.e., worse) EQ-5D score. In an additional arm of the study with radiographic imaging (40 patients), the mean change in sagittal alignment was 4.0° toward lordotic, and a newly developed kyphosis was found in 7.5% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Because CSM is a serious degenerative progressive condition resulting in decreased health-related quality of life even after surgical treatment, the low rate of corrective surgery needed for alignment issues per se indicates that simple laminectomy can be a viable treatment option in treating multilevel CSM.

Long-term functional outcome of surgical treatment for degenerative cervical myelopathy

OBJECTIVE

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is a major global cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Surgical treatment is considered a safe and effective way to improve functional outcome, although information about long-term functional outcome remains scarce despite increasing longevity. The objective of this study was to describe functional outcome 10 years after surgery for DCM.

METHODS

A prospective observational cohort study was undertaken in a university-affiliated neurosurgery department. All patients who underwent surgery for DCM between 2008 and 2010 as part of the multicenter Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy International trial were included. Participants were approached for additional virtual assessment 10 years after surgery. Functional outcome was assessed according to the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA; scores 0-18) score at baseline and 1, 2, and 10 years after surgery. The minimal clinically important difference was defined as 1-, 2-, or 3-point improvement for mild, moderate, and severe myelopathy, respectively. Outcome was considered durable when stabilization or improvement after 2 years was maintained at 10 years. Self-evaluated effect of surgery was assessed using a 4-point Likert-like scale. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were compared between groups that worsened and improved or remained stable using descriptive statistics. Functional outcome was compared between various time points during follow-up with linear mixed models.

RESULTS

Of the 42 originally included patients, 37 participated at follow-up (11.9% loss to follow-up, 100% response rate). The mean patient age was 56.1 years, and 42.9% of patients were female. Surgical approaches were anterior (76.2%), posterior (21.4%), or posterior with fusion (2.4%). The mean follow-up was 10.8 years (range 10-12 years). The mean mJOA score increased significantly from 13.1 (SD 2.3) at baseline to 14.2 (SD 3.3) at 10 years (p = 0.01). A minimal clinically important difference was achieved in 54.1%, and stabilization of functional status was maintained in 75.0% in the long term. Patients who worsened were older (median 63 vs 52 years, p < 0.01) and had more comorbidities (70.0% vs 25.9%, p < 0.01). A beneficial effect of surgery was self-reported by 78.3% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment for DCM results in satisfactory improvement of functional outcome that is maintained at 10-year follow-up.

Effect of Minimally Invasive Selective Laminectomy for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy on Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected observational data.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the slippage, sagittal alignment, and range of motion (ROM) after selective laminectomy (SL) in patients who had cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS).

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Clinical outcomes have been reported for both decompression and fusion surgeries for DS of the lumbar spine. However, only a few reports have examined cervical spine spondylolisthesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 178 patients who underwent SL for CSM. Those with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament were excluded. Slippage >2 mm was defined as spondylolisthesis, and spondylolisthesis progression was defined as an additional displacement >2 mm on a neutral radiograph. The slippage, translational motion, C2-C7 angle, local kyphosis, and ROM were examined before and ≥2 years after surgery. Radiologic parameters were evaluated according to the slip direction and the number of laminae removed.

RESULTS

DS was observed in 29 patients (16.3%); 24 patients, comprising 9 and 15 in the anterolisthesis and retrolisthesis groups, respectively, were successfully followed up for more than 2 years. Preoperative and postoperative radiologic changes in slippage, translational motion, C2-C7 angle, local kyphosis, and ROM were not remarkable in either group regardless of the number of laminae removed. Revision surgery for the progression of DS and alignment deterioration was not required in any patient of either group.

CONCLUSIONS

SL does not affect DS, sagittal alignment, or ROM irrespective of the slip direction and the number of laminae removed, even after >2 years after surgery. Given the preservation of the posterior elements, SL may be an effective treatment for CSM with DS.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Surgery for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Nationwide Registry-Based Observational Study With Patient-Reported Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Indications and optimal timing for surgical treatment of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) remain unclear, and data from daily clinical practice are warranted.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate clinical outcomes following decompressive surgery for DCM.

METHODS

Data were obtained from the Norwegian Registry for Spine Surgery. The primary outcome was change in the neck disability index (NDI) 1 yr after surgery. Secondary endpoints were the European myelopathy score (EMS), quality of life (EuroQoL 5D [EQ-5D]), numeric rating scales (NRS) for headache, neck pain, and arm pain, complications, and perceived benefit of surgery assessed by the Global Perceived Effect (GPE) scale.

RESULTS

We included 905 patients operated between January 2012 and June 2018. There were significant improvements in all patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including NDI (mean -10.0, 95% CI -11.5 to -8.4, P < .001), EMS (mean 1.0, 95% CI 0.8-1.1, P < .001), EQ-5D index score (mean 0.16, 95% CI 0.13-0.19, P < .001), EQ-5D visual analogue scale (mean 13.8, 95% CI 11.7-15.9, P < .001), headache NRS (mean -1.1, 95% CI -1.4 to -0.8, P < .001), neck pain NRS (mean -1.8, 95% CI -2.0 to -1.5, P < .001), and arm pain NRS (mean -1.7, 95% CI -1.9 to -1.4, P < .001). According to GPE scale assessments, 229/513 patients (44.6%) experienced "complete recovery" or felt "much better" at 1 yr. There were significant improvements in all PROMs for both mild and moderate-to-severe DCM. A total of 251 patients (27.7%) experienced adverse effects within 3 mo.

CONCLUSION

Surgery for DCM is associated with significant and clinically meaningful improvement across a wide range of PROMs.

Laminoplasty with selective fusion at unstable segment versus laminectomy with fusion for multilevel cervical myelopathy: a case-control study

Background

Segmental cervical instability is a risk factor for the progression of osteophytic bone spurs and development of myelopathy, and is treated as a relative contraindication of cervical laminoplasty. The aim of this study was to compare laminoplasty with selective fixation (LPSF) versus laminectomy with fusion (LCF) in patients with multilevel cervical myelopathy accompanied by segmental instability.

Methods

A case-control study was conducted by reviewing data from 63 patients who underwent LPSF (n = 30) or LCF (n = 33). Cervical alignment, range of motion (ROM), neurologic status and axial symptom severity pre-operation, 3-days after operation, and at the final follow-up (minimum 24 months) were measured and compared between groups.

Results

Postoperation, patients in the LPSF group lost 31.1 ± 17.3 % of cervical lordosis and 43.2 ± 10.9 % cervical ROM while patients in the LCF group lost 5.7 ± 8.2 % and 67.9 ± 15.5 %, respectively. Both LPSF and LCF groups significantly improved neurologic status and axial symptom severity at the final follow-up with similar between-group results(P > 0.05). Blood loss, operation time, hospital stay, and medical cost in the LPSF group were significantly less than in the LCF group(P < 0.05).

Conclusions

In 2 years of clinical observation, LPSF was effective in maintaining the stability of the cervical spine with less sacrifice of mobility and surgical trauma for multilevel myelopathy with segmental instability compared to LCF.

A Clinicoradiological Assessment following Surgical Intervention in Patients of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: An Institutional Experience

Introduction  To critically analyze the functional and radiological improvement in patients of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) who underwent surgical decompression by an anterior or posterior approach.

Materials and Methods  A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary-level Armed Forces Hospital from June 2015 to December 2019. Preoperative assessment included a thorough clinical examination and functional and radiological assessment. The surgical decompression was done by an anterior or a posterior approach with instrumented fusion. Anterior approach was taken for single or two-level involvement and posterior approach for three or more cervical levels. The pre and postoperative neurological outcome was assessed by Nurick and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) score along with measurement of canal diameter and cross-sectional area.

Results  A total of 120 patients of CSM who underwent surgical decompression were analyzed. Both the groups were comparable and had male predominance. A total of 59 patients underwent surgical decompression by an anterior approach and the remaining 61 patients by the posterior approach. Out of the 59 patients operated by the anterior approach, 30 (50.85%) underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF); remaining 29 (49.15%) underwent anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF). In the posterior group (n = 61), 26 (42.6%) patients underwent laminoplasty and the remaining 35 (57.4%) underwent laminectomy with or without instrument fusion. Sixteen patients out of these underwent lateral mass fixation and the remaining 19 underwent laminectomy. There was functional improvement (mJOA and Nurick grade) and radiological improvement in both subgroups, which were statistically significant (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion  A prompt surgical intervention in moderate-to-severe cases of CSM either by the anterior or the posterior approach is essential for good outcome.

The safety and efficacy of anterior versus posterior decompression surgery in degenerative cervical myelopathy: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The safety and efficacy of anterior and posterior decompression surgery in degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) have not been validated in any prospective randomized trial.

METHODS

In this first prospective randomized trial, the patients who had symptoms or signs of DCM were randomly assigned to undergo either anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or posterior laminectomy with or without fusion. The primary outcome measures were the change in the visual analog scale (VAS) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Nurick myelopathy grade 1 year after surgery. The secondary outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative complications, hospital stay, and Odom's criteria. The follow-up period was at least 1 year.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients (mean age 53 ± 8.3 years, 72.3% men) underwent prospective randomization. There was a significantly better outcome in the NDI and VAS scores in the anterior group at 1 year (p < 0.05). Nurick myelopathy grading showed nonsignificant improvement using the posterior approach group (p = 0.79). The mean operative duration was significantly longer in the anterior group (p < 0.001). No significant difference in postoperative complications was found, except postoperative dysphagia was significantly higher in the anterior group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative patient satisfaction (Odom's criteria) (p = 0.52). The mean hospital stay was significantly longer in the posterior group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with multilevel DCM, the anterior approach was significantly better regarding postoperative pain, NDI, and hospital stay, while the posterior approach was significantly better in terms of postoperative dysphagia and operative duration.

Open-Door Laminoplasty Using Lateral Mass Anchoring Screws and Nonabsorbable Sutures in Patients with Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy

Backgroud

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of open-door laminoplasty using lateral mass anchoring screws and nonabsorbable sutures (ODLLM) for multilevel cervical myelopathy.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 30 patients who underwent ODLLM. Clinical evaluations were performed using a visual analog scale (VAS), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and Neck Disability Index (NDI) preoperatively, at 1 year postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. Radiographic evaluation was done using cervical spine radiographs to measure changes in the lordotic angle and range of motion (ROM) preoperatively, at 1 year postoperatively, and at the last follow-up and computed tomography at 1 year postoperatively to measure the opening angle and anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal.

Results

Significant improvement in VAS, JOA, and NDI was seen overall at 1 year after operation. However, there was no significant difference between 1 year after operation and the last follow-up. There were no significant changes in the lordotic angle and neck ROM. The mean opening angle of the opened lamina was measured as 39.04°. The mean anteroposterior diameter was significantly increased from 7.51 ± 1.79 mm before surgery to 13.98 ± 1.80 mm at 1 year of operation. Complications such as laminar reclosure and screw loosening were not observed in all cases.

Conclusions

The ODLLM was technically easy to perform and showed good results comparable to those of conventional techniques. It can be suggested that ODLLM is an appropriate treatment option for multilevel cervical myelopathy.

Factors predicting loss of cervical lordosis following cervical laminoplasty: A critical review

Background:

Laminoplasty is a method of posterior cervical decompression which indirectly decompresses the spinal column. Unfortunately, many patients undergoing laminoplasty develops postoperative loss of cervical lordosis (LCL) or kyphotic alignment of cervical spine even though they have sufficient preoperative lordosis which results in poor surgical outcome.

Objective:

We would like to highlight the relationship between various radiological parameters of cervical alignment and postoperative LCL in patients undergoing laminoplasty.

Methods:

We performed extensive literature search using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for relevant articles that report factors affecting cervical alignment following laminoplasty.

Results:

On reviewing the literature, patients with high T1 slope have more lordotic alignment of cervical spine preoperatively. They also have more chances of LCL following laminoplasty. C2–C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) has no role in predicting LCL following laminoplasty though patients with low T1 slope (≤20°) and high C2–C7 SVA (>22 mm) had correction of kyphotic deformity following laminoplasty. C2–C7 lordosis, Neck Tilt, cervical range of motion, and thoracic kyphosis has no predictive value for LCL. Lower value of T1 slope (T1S-CL) and CL/T1S has more incidence of developing LCL following laminoplasty. The role of C2–C3 disc angle has not yet been evaluated in patients undergoing laminoplasty. Dynamic extension reserve determines the contraction reserve of SPMLC and lower dynamic extension reserve is associated with higher chances of LCL following laminoplasty.

Conclusions:

Cervical lordotic alignment is important in maintaining cervical sagittal balance which ultimately is responsible for global spinal sagittal balance and horizontal gaze. Among various radiological parameters, T1 Slope has been reported to be the most important factor affecting cervical alignment following laminoplasty.

Sagittal Alignment After Laminectomy Without Fusion as Treatment for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Follow-up of Minimum 4 Years Postoperatively

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence of sagittal malalignment including kyphosis following cervical laminectomy without fusion as treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy and to assess any correlation between malalignment and clinical outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

In all, 60 patients were followed up with conventional radiography at an average of 8 years postoperatively. The cervical lordosis (C2-C7 Cobb angle), C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (cSVA) and C7 slope were measured on both preoperative and postoperative images. Patients completed a questionnaire covering Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analogue scale for neck pain, and general health (EQ-5D).

RESULTS

Mean C2-C7 Cobb angle was 8.6° (SD 9.0) preoperatively, 3.4° (10.7) postoperatively and 9.6° (14.5) at follow-up. Ultimately, 3 patients showed >20° cervical kyphosis. Mean cSVA was 16.3 mm (SD 10.2) preoperatively, 20.6 mm (11.8) postoperatively, and 31.6 mm (11.8) at follow-up. Mean C7 slope was 20.4° (SD 8.9) preoperatively, 18.4° (9.4) postoperatively, and 32.6° (10.2) at follow-up. The preoperative to follow-up increase in cSVA and C7 slope was statistically significant (both P < .0001), but not for cervical lordosis. The preoperative to follow-up change in cSVA correlated moderately with preoperative cSVA (r = 0.43, P = .002), as did the corresponding findings regarding C7 slope (r = 0.52, P = .0001). A comparison of radiographic measurements with clinical outcome showed no strong correlations.

CONCLUSIONS

No preoperative to follow-up change in cervical lordosis was found in this group; 5.0% developed >20° kyphosis. No clear correlation between sagittal alignment and clinical outcome was shown.

Which factors predict the loss of cervical lordosis following cervical laminoplasty? A review of various indices and their clinical implications

Background:

Many patients undergoing laminoplasty develop postoperative loss of cervical lordosis or kyphotic alignment of cervical spine despite sufficient preoperative lordosis. This results in poor surgical outcomes.

Methods:

Here, we reviewed the relationship between multiple radiological parameters of cervical alignment that correlated with postoperative loss of cervical lordosis in patients undergoing laminoplasty.

Results:

Patient with a high T1 slope (T1S) has more lordotic alignment of the cervical spine preoperatively and is at increased risk for the loss of cervical lordosis postlaminoplasty. Those with lower values of difference between T1S and Cobb’s angle (T1S-CL) and CL-T1S ratio have higher risks of developing a loss of the cervical lordosis postoperatively. Alternatively, C2-C7 lordosis, neck tilt, cervical range of motion, and thoracic kyphosis had no role in predicting the postlaminoplasty kyphosis.

Conclusion:

Among various radiological parameters, the preoperative T1S is the most important factor in predicting the postoperative loss of the cervical lordosis/alignment following laminoplasty.

Cervical Laminectomy With or Without Lateral Mass Instrumentation: A Comparison of Outcomes

STUDY DESIGN

Narrative review.

BACKGROUND

Cervical decompressive laminectomy is a common posterior approach for addressing multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. However, there is a concern that cervical laminectomy can lead to kyphotic deformity with subsequent neurological decline. In this context, cervical laminectomy with fusion using lateral mass instrumentation has become increasingly utilized with the aim of reducing the risk of developing postoperative kyphotic deformity, which is thought to predispose to poorer neurological outcomes in the long term.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the evidence for stand-alone cervical laminectomy with laminectomy with posterior fusion in terms of clinical outcomes and the incidence of adverse events, particularly the development of postoperative cervical kyphosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Initial Medline search using MeSH terms yielded 226 articles, 23 of which were selected. An additional PubMed search and the reference list of individual papers were utilized to identify the remaining papers of relevance.

RESULTS

Cervical laminectomy both with and without fusion offers effective decompression for symptomatic multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy. The incidence of postlaminectomy kyphosis is lower following posterior fusion; however, there seems to be no clinical-radiologic correlation given that patients who develop postoperative kyphosis often do not progress to clinical myelopathy. Furthermore, there are specific additional risks of posterior instrumentation that need to be considered.

CONCLUSION

In carefully selected patients with normal preoperative cervical sagittal alignment, stand-alone cervical laminectomy may offer acceptably low rates of postoperative kyphosis. In patients with preoperative loss of cervical lordosis and/or kyphosis, posterior fusion is recommended to reduce the risk of progression to postoperative kyphotic deformity, bearing in mind that radiologic evidence of kyphosis may not necessarily correlate with poorer clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the specific risks associated with posterior fusion (instrumentation failure, pseudarthrosis, infection, C5 nerve root palsy, and vertebral artery injury) need to be considered and weighed up against potential benefits.

Selective blocking laminoplasty in cervical laminectomy and fusion to prevent postoperative C5 palsy

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Cervical laminectomy and fusion (CLF) is a common surgical option for multilevel cord compression. Postoperative C5 palsy occurrence after CLF has been a vexing problem for spine physicians. The posterior shift of the cord following laminectomy has been implicated as a major factor for postoperative C5 palsy, but attempts by spine surgeons to mitigate excessive shift while providing sufficient decompression have not been well reported.

PURPOSE

To compare the incidence of postoperative C5 palsy after performing selective blocking laminoplasty concurrently with CLF to those of conventional CLF.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective comparative study of prospectively collected data.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Of 116 cervical myelopathy patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and multilevel disc herniation, 93 patients (69 in group A [CLF group] and 24 in group B [selective blocking laminoplasty with CLF, CLF-S group]) were included in the study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the occurrence of postoperative C5 palsy. Secondary end points included (1) clinical outcomes based on pain intensity, neck disability index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, (2) radiologic outcomes including cervical alignment and fusion rate at 1 year and hardware complications, and (3) perioperative data (hospital stay, blood loss, and operative times).

METHODS

We compared the occurrence of postoperative C5 palsy, as well as clinical, radiologic, and surgical outcomes, between the two groups at 1-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The patients in both groups were statistically similar between the groups with respect to demographic characteristics such as age, sex, smoking status, body mass index, preoperative pathology, surgical segments, and the degree of the cervical lordosis. Postoperative C5 palsy developed in 9 of 61 patients (14%) in group A and in 0 of 24 patients (0%) in group B (CLF-S group) (p=.03). Postoperative neck pain, NDI, and JOA improvement were not significantly different between the two groups (p=.93, 0.90, and 0.79, respectively). Perioperative data did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that performing selective blocking laminoplasty might lead to reducing the incidence of postoperative C5 palsy in CLF surgery.

The Efficacy of Posterior Cervical Laminectomy for Multilevel Degenerative Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy in Long Term Period

Study Design:

This was a retrospective analysis.

Background:

Surgical decompression is the gold standard for preventing the progression of neurological deficit in degenerative multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The efficacy of posterior laminectomy in the surgical management of CSM has been described in the past, but long-term follow-up data are scanty.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess the long-term clinical-radiological outcomes following posterior cervical decompressive laminectomy in multilevel degenerative CSM.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis of 110 patients with degenerative multilevel CSM who underwent posterior cervical laminectomy alone in a single hospital by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2013 with minimum 5-year follow-up. Pre- and post-operative clinical parameters (visual analog scale [VAS], Nurick and modified Japanese orthopedic association [mJOA]), radiological parameter (Sagittal cervical Cobb's Angle), perioperative complications (time, blood loss, and hospital stay), postoperative complications (infection, C5 palsy, and neurological worsening) were evaluated.

Results:

Totally 110 patients (males – 68 and females – 42) with age varying from 46 to 80 (mean-57) years, and the mean duration of illness was 3 months were evaluated. Mean clinical parameters are VAS (preoperative = 5 ± 1.31, postoperative = 1.49 ± 0.687), Nurick grading (preoperative = 3.23 ± 71, postoperative = 1.924 ± 0.75), and mJOA (preoperative = 6.32 ± 0.87, postoperative = 9.89 ± 1.37). The mean blood loss was 93.95 ± 19.18 ml, and the mean time taken for surgery was 83.65 ± 10.18 min. About 13% (n = 15) patients developed cervical kyphosis and 29% (n = 32) developed changes in cervical spine alignment and 10% (n = 11) developed worsening of neurology at final follow-up. Two patients developed a superficial infection which was managed with antibiotics. Three patients developed C5 palsy which recovered with due time.

Conclusions:

With the proper selection of patients, posterior cervical laminectomy is effective in offering a clinical improvement to patients with degenerative multilevel CSM with a low incidence of clinically significant radiological deterioration.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN

Review.

OBJECTIVES

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a major cause of disability, particular in elderly patients. Awareness and understanding of CSM is imperative to facilitate early diagnosis and management. This review article addresses CSM with regard to its epidemiology, anatomical considerations, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, imaging characteristics, treatment approaches and outcomes, and the cost-effectiveness of surgical options.

METHODS

The authors performed an extensive review of the peer-reviewed literature addressing the aforementioned objectives.

RESULTS

The clinical presentation and natural history of CSM is variable, alternating between quiescent and insidious to stepwise decline or rapid neurological deterioration. For mild CSM, conservative options could be employed with careful observation. However, surgical intervention has shown to be superior for moderate to severe CSM. The success of operative or conservative management of CSM is multifactorial and high-quality studies are lacking. The optimal surgical approach is still under debate, and can vary depending on the number of levels involved, location of the pathology and baseline cervical sagittal alignment.

CONCLUSIONS

Early recognition and treatment of CSM, before the onset of spinal cord damage, is essential for optimal outcomes. The goal of surgery is to decompress the cord with expansion of the spinal canal, while restoring cervical lordosis, and stabilizing when the risk of cervical kyphosis is high. Further high-quality randomized clinical studies with long-term follow up are still needed to further define the natural history and help predict the ideal surgical strategy.

Flexible dropped head deformity following laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a case series and review of literature

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Flexible dropped head deformity (FDHD) following laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a debilitating entity. Patients need to support their head manually to look forward in standing or sitting position. Flexible dropped head deformity is different from rigid dropped head deformity in patients with post-laminectomy kyphosis or ankylosing spondylitis and has only once been described after surgery to the cervical spine.

PURPOSE

This case report aimed to report a rare, but severe complication of cervical posterior decompressive surgery, to describe its possible etiology, and to review the literature on the management of FDHD in order to provide recommendations for its treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective clinical case series.

PATIENT SAMPLE

This sample comprises four patients with FDHD.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the charts with clinical follow-up data of all patients who underwent posteriorly directed spinal interventions and concomitantly developed FDHD and were admitted between January 1998 and September 2015.

RESULTS

Cervical decompressive laminectomy is regularly performed in our institution. Four patients with FDHD were identified (3 men and 1 woman). The overall prevalence was less than 1% (=4 of 460 total estimated CSM surgeries). Flexible dropped head deformity developed within weeks or months after surgery. One patient was treated conservatively, whereas the other three received surgery to reconstruct stability of the cervical spine. Two of the surgically corrected patients eventually required revision surgery as a result of failure of the hardware and because of skin erosion.

CONCLUSIONS

Flexible dropped head deformity is a rare, but serious complication of posterior decompressive surgery. Its etiology appears multifactorial. Its management needs to be directed toward early surgical intervention.

Long-term clinical and radiological follow-up after laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Background:

The role of laminectomy in the surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is established even though postoperative cervical sagittal balance changes and a risk for long-term instability have been described. The aim of the present study is to investigate its clinical efficacy and the radiological outcome in the long-term.

Methods:

The authors retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of patients with CSM, who underwent cervical laminectomy between 1995 and 2010 at the Hospital São João (n = 106). Clinical files were consulted, and the patients reassessed in order to collect information on complaints, previous neurological deficits, surgery and its complications. Subjective and objective clinical evaluation (by three myelopathy scores) and imaging studies were undertaken in order to assess the long-term cervical sagittal curvature and presence of instability.

Results:

After applying exclusion criteria, 57 patients were able to complete the follow-up. A favorable statistically significant difference was obtained when comparing clinical scores. Ninety-one percent of patients were satisfied with the outcome of the surgery. Only 1 patient developed kyphosis according to Ishihara index and none according to the method of Matsumoto. Four patients developed subclinical cervical instability. No clinical-imaging correlation was found.

Conclusions:

If patients are properly selected cervical laminectomy without additional instrumentation is effective in offering a clinical improvement to patients with CSM with a low incidence of clinically significant radiological deterioration.

The role of iatrogenic foraminal stenosis from lordotic correction in the development of C5 palsy after posterior laminectomy and fusion

Background

Post-operative C5 nerve root palsy is a known complication following cervical spine surgery. Although several theories have been proposed, there remains no consensus as to the etiology of the palsies. Multiple pre-operative radiographic measures have been assessed for utility in predicting palsy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate published radiographic parameters as well as specifically evaluate the effect of cervical lordosis in the development of C5 palsy to establish thresholds that reliably predict the incidence.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of 54 consecutive multilevel cervical laminectomy and fusion surgeries performed by a single spine surgeon between June 2007 and February 2014. Pre-operative MRI and pre- and post-operative plain films were assessed to measure anteroposterior diameter (APD) of the spinal cord, cervical laminar angles, anteroposterior foraminal diameters (FD), cervical curvature index (Ishihara), cervical spine angle (C2-7), and C4-5 angle. Univariate analysis through independent t tests was used to compare differences between groups. Stepwise logistic regression was performed to identify pre-operative variables associated with C5 palsy. Receiver operating characteristic curves were created for significant variables to assess predictive accuracy through determining the area under the curve.

Results

There were 13 (24 %) palsies in the 54 patients in the study. All palsies completely resolved within 6 months. Among pre-operative measures, FD and APD were significantly different between the palsy and non-palsy groups. The average post-operative C4-5 angle was significantly different between the groups, though the cervical spine angle and curvature index, as well as the change in these measures from pre-operative measurements, did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

Post-operative palsy is likely a result of iatrogenic nerve root compression from a decreased in cross-sectional area of the neuroforamen in a patient with pre-operative narrowing of the foramen. However, spinal cord drift back may also play a role from the combined effect of posterior decompression from laminectomy and relative slack afforded by increased lordosis. Accordingly, increased post-operative lordosis would increase the likelihood of effect from both of these mechanisms. We recommended limited conservative lordotic correction in patients with pre-operative foraminal narrowing.