Long-term results of a prospective study of anterior decompression with fusion and posterior decompression with laminoplasty for treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Comparison of Anterior Surgery Versus Posterior Surgery for the Treatment of Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A Meta-Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of anterior versus posterior surgical approaches on outcomes in MCSM.

BACKGROUND

Multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM) is the most common cause of spinal cord dysfunction, and the clinical effectiveness of anterior versus posterior surgical approaches remains elusive.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted across electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, to evaluate the effects of anterior surgery versus posterior surgery on outcomes, such as Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, neck disability index (NDI) score, neck visual analog scale (VAS), blood loss, operation time, length of stay, cervical range of motion, cervical Cobb angle, and complications. The baseline characteristics of the included studies were assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale score to measure the risk of bias.

RESULTS

In this meta-analysis, 14 retrospective and 6 prospective cohort studies, involving 2712 patients, were included. The analysis indicated no significant difference between the 2 groups in preoperative JOA score, postoperative JOA score, JOA recovery rate, postoperative neck VAS score, operation time, preoperative range of motion (ROM), or SF-36 score (P=0.95, 0.15, 0.20, 0.31, 0.94, 0.33, and 0.43, respectively). However, the NDI score and blood loss were significantly lower in the anterior surgery group compared with the posterior surgery group (P<0.04, P=0.0003). The anterior surgery group was also associated with shorter length of stay (P<0.00001), while had higher rates of complications (P=0.04). C2-7 Cobb angle and postoperative ROM were significantly lower in the anterior surgery group than those in the posterior surgery group (P=0.0002 and 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis found no clear advantage of 1 surgical approach over the other for MCSM in terms of neurological function recovery, as measured by JOA scores. The anterior approach was associated with improved NDI scores, lower blood loss, shorter length of stay, and better recovery of cervical lordosis, accompanied by limited postoperative mobility. Careful consideration should be given to potential complications, including dysphagia with the anterior surgery, axial pain, and C5 palsy with the posterior surgery.

Comparison of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion and Posterior Laminoplasty for Four-Segment Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes

BACKGROUND

 Although anterior or posterior surgery for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) has been extensively studied, the choice of anterior or posterior approach in four-segment CSM remains poorly studied and controversial. We compared the clinical and radiographic outcomes of four-segment CSM by posterior laminoplasty (LAMP) and anterior cervical decompression fusion (ACDF) to further explore the merits and demerits of ACDF and LAMP for four-segment CSM in this study.

METHODS

 Patients with four-segment CSM who underwent ACDF or LAMP between January 2016 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. We compared the preoperative and postoperative cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, neck disability index (NDI), neck pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, sagittal vertical axis, cervical lordosis (CL), and range of motion.

RESULTS

 There were 47 and 79 patients in the ACDF and LAMP groups, respectively. Patients in the ACDF group had a significantly longer surgical time and lower estimated blood loss and length of stay than those in the LAMP group. There was no significant difference in the JOA, NDI, or neck pain VAS scores between the two groups preoperatively, but the NDI and neck pain VAS scores in the ACDF group were significantly lower than those in the LAMP group at the final follow-up. The preoperative C2-C7 Cobb angle of the ACDF group was significantly lower than that of the LAMP group but there was no significant difference between the two groups postoperatively. The improvement of C2-C7 Cobb angle (∆C2-C7 Cobb angle) in the ACDF group was significantly higher than that in the LAMP group. This indicated that ACDF can improve CL better than LAMP. The linear regression analysis revealed the ∆C2-C7 Cobb angle was negatively correlated with the final follow-up neck pain VAS scores and NDI. This indicated that patients with better improvement of CL may have a better prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

 Although both ACDF and LAMP surgeries are effective for four-segment CSM, ACDF can better improve CL and neck pain. For patients with poor CL, we suggest ACDF when both approaches are feasible.

Postoperative 30-Day Comparative Complications of Multilevel Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion and Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: An Evidence in Reaching Consensus

Although a few large-scale studies have investigated multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and laminoplasty (LAMP) and their related complications for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), the optimal surgical intervention remains controversial. Therefore, we compared their 30 days of postoperative complications. Through the 2010-2019 ACS NSQIP Participant Use Data Files, we estimated the risk of serious morbidity, reoperation, readmission, mortality, and other postoperative complications. Initially, propensity score matching (PSM) of the preoperative characteristics of both groups was performed for further analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis provided OR and 95% CI for comparative complications. After PSM, 621 pairs of cohorts were generated for both groups. Increased frequency of postoperative complications was observed in the LAMP group, especially for surgical wound infection, no matter whether superficial (ACDF/LAMP = 0%/1.13%, p = 0.0154) or deep wound infection (ACDF/LAMP = 0%/0.97%, p = 0.0309). The mean length of total hospital stays (ACDF/LAMP = 2.25/3.11, p < 0.0001) and days from operation to discharge (ACDF/LAMP = 2.12/3.08, p < 0.0001) were longer, while the hospitalization rate for over 30 days (ACDF/LAMP = 4.67%/7.41%, p = 0.0429) and unplanned reoperation (ACDF/LAMP = 6.12%/9.34%, p = 0.0336) were higher in LAMP. Results also indicated congestive heart failure as a risk factor (adjusted OR = 123.402, p = 0.0002). Conclusively, multilevel ACDF may be a safer surgical approach than LAMP for CSM in terms of perioperative morbidities, including surgical wound infection, prolonged hospitalization, and unplanned reoperation. However, these approaches showed no significant differences in systemic complications and perioperative mortality.

Posterior Hybrid Technique for the Treatment of Traumatic Cervical Spinal Cord Injury with High Signal Intensity on T2WI

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the posterior hybrid technique (PHT) for the treatment of traumatic cervical spinal cord injury without vertebral fracture or dislocation with high signal intensity on T2WI (CSCIH).

Methods

A comparative analysis of clinical efficacy between CSCIH patients who underwent anterior decompression and fusion (ADF) surgery and those who underwent PHT surgery was retrospectively conducted. Demographic characteristics, cervical range of motion (CRM), cross-sectional area of spinal cord (CSASC), spinal canal area residual rate (SCARR), high signal intensity ratio (HSIR), Cervical Japanese Orthopedic Association (CJOA) score, and neck disability index (NDI) were assessed.

Results

Forty-three CSCIH cases with PHT and 46 CSCIH cases with ADF were collected from January 2013 to January 2017. The CRM in patients with PHT was superior to that in patients with ADF at the final follow-up (64.21 ± 18.46° vs. 48.71 ± 19.34°, p = 0.0002). The SCARR also showed greater improvements in the PHT group than in the ADF group (final follow-up: 93.54 ± 11.09% vs. 88.13 ± 10.84%, p = 0.022). Both groups indicated significant improvements in the CSASC and HSIR (p < 0.05); however, no significant differences were observed between the two groups. All patients showed improvements in the CJOA score and the NDI after surgery (p < 0.05). At the 6-month follow-up, the ADF group had better NDI scores than the PHT group (31.17 ± 10.42 vs. 36.78 ± 9.65, p = 0.010), whereas the PHT group exhibited better improvements than the ADF group at the final follow-up (66.86 ± 9.28% vs. 57.67 ± 10.22%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The PHT was as effective as ADF in the treatment of CSCIH, whereas the PHT was superior in the improvement of patients' health-related quality of life and in CRM preservation during the long-term follow-up.

Nationwide sample data analysis of additional surgery rate after anterior or posterior cervical spinal surgery

Surgical outcomes of degenerative cervical spinal disease are dependent on the selection of surgical techniques. Although a standardized decision cannot be made in an actual clinical setting, continued education is provided to standardize the medical practice among surgeons. Therefore, it is necessary to supervise and regularly update overall surgical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the rate of additional surgery between anterior and posterior surgeries for degenerative cervical spinal disease using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) nationwide patient database. The NHIS-NSC is a population-based cohort with about a million participants. This retrospective cohort study included 741 adult patients (> 18 years) who underwent their first cervical spinal surgery for degenerative cervical spinal disease. The median follow-up period was 7.3 years. An event was defined as the registration of any type of cervical spinal surgery during the follow-up period. Event-free survival analysis was used for outcome analysis, and the following factors were used as covariates for adjustment: location of disease, sex, age, type of insurance, disability, type of hospital, Charles comorbidity Index, and osteoporosis. Anterior cervical surgery was selected for 75.0% of the patients, and posterior cervical surgery for the remaining 25.0%. Cervical radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis, hard disc, or soft disc was the primary diagnosis in 78.0% of the patients, and central spinal stenosis was the primary diagnosis in 22.0% of them. Additional surgery was performed for 5.0% of the patients after anterior cervical surgery and 6.5% of the patients after posterior cervical surgery (adjusted subhazard ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.40-1.74). The rates of additional surgery were not different between anterior and posterior cervical surgeries. The results would be helpful in evaluating current practice as a whole and adjusting the health insurance policy.

Decompression alone versus decompression with fusion in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis with degenerative spondylolisthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Surgical decompression is standard care in the treatment of degenerative spondylolisthesis in patients with symptomatic lumbar spinal stenosis, but there remains controversy over the benefits of adding fusion. The persistent lack of consensus on this matter and the availability of new data warrants a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.

METHODS

Multiple online databases were systematically searched up to October 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective studies comparing outcomes of decompression alone versus decompression with fusion for lumbar spinal stenosis in patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. Primary outcome was the Oswestry Disability Index. Secondary outcomes included leg and back pain, surgical outcomes, and radiological outcomes. Pooled effect estimates were calculated and presented as mean differences (MD) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) at two-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Of the identified 2403 studies, eventually five RCTs and two prospective studies were included. Overall, most studies had a low or unclear risk of selection bias and most studies were focused on low grade degenerative spondylolisthesis. All patient-reported outcomes showed low statistical heterogeneity. Overall, there was high-quality evidence suggesting no difference in functionality at two years of follow-up (MD - 0.31, 95% CI - 3.81 to 3.19). Furthermore, there was high-quality evidence of no difference in leg pain (MD - 1.79, 95% CI - 5.08 to 1.50) or back pain (MD - 2.54, 95% CI - 6.76 to 1.67) between patients undergoing decompression vs. decompression with fusion. Pooled surgical outcomes showed less blood loss after decompression only, shorter length of hospital stay, and a similar reoperation rate compared to decompression with fusion.

CONCLUSION

Based on the current literature, there is high-quality evidence of no difference in functionality after decompression alone compared to decompression with fusion in patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis at 2 years of follow-up. Further studies should focus on long-term comparative outcomes, health economic evaluations, and identifying those patients that may benefit more from decompression with fusion instead of decompression alone. This review was registered at Prospero (CRD42021291603).

Influence of preoperative depression on clinical outcomes after cervical laminoplasty: A retrospective study

Background

Depression is a highly prevalent mental disorder, and we found that patients with preoperative depression had worse postoperative improvement in lumbar fusion. Are mental factors related to the prognosis of laminoplasty?

Objective

To analyze the relationship between depression and clinical outcomes after laminoplasty for the treatment of multilevel CSM.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 115 patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), who underwent laminoplasty and were followed up for more than 1 year, were enrolled in this study from October 2018 to October 2021. Patients with the scores of 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) ≥ 15 or Hamilton Depression Scale-24 (HAMD-24) > 20 were included in the depression group. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the changes and recovery rate (RR) of Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores (JOA) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) respectively. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to reveal the relationship between preoperative depressive states and clinical outcomes.

Results

Fourteen patients were diagnosed with depression by BDI and twenty-nine by HAMD-24. Between the depression group and the non-depression group, the age, gender, smoking history, and duration of symptoms were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression showed that the BDI scores had a negative relationship with the changes and RR of JOA and NDI, and the HAMD-24 scores had a negative relationship with the changes and RR of JOA.

Conclusions

Preoperative depression in patients with multilevel CSM can lead to worse prognosis. In order to improve the curative effect of the operation, we should pay attention to the psychological state monitoring and intervention of patients before they receive laminoplasty.

Comparison of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion in the treatment of localized ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament

BACKGROUND

The retrospective study was conducted to compare the efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) for localized ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) by evaluating clinical and radiologic outcomes.

METHODS

We reviewed 151 patients to assess the effects of treatment for one or two levels localized OPLL. Perioperative parameters, such as blood loss, operation time and complications, were recorded. Radiologic outcomes, such as the occupying ratio (OR), fusion status, cervical lordosis angle, segmental angle, disc space height, T1 slope, and C2-C7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA), were assessed. Clinical indices, such as the JOA scores and VAS scores, were investigated to compare the two surgical options.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the JOA scores or VAS scores between the two groups (p > 0.05). The operation time, volume of blood loss and incidence of dysphagia were significantly less in the ACDF group than in the ACCF group (p < 0.05). In addition, cervical lordosis, segmental angle and disc space height were significantly different from their preoperative evaluations. No adjacent segment degenerated in the ACDF group. The subsidence rates of implants were 5.2% in the ACDF group and 28.4% in the ACCF group. The degeneration of the ACCF group was 4.1%. The incidence of CSF leaks was 7.8% in the ACDF group and 13.5% in the ACCF group. All the patients ultimately achieved successful fusion.

CONCLUSION

Although both options achieved satisfactory primary clinical and radiographic efficacies, ACDF was associated with a shorter surgical procedure, less intraoperative blood loss, better radiologic outcomes, and lower incidence of dysphagia than ACCF.

Evaluating a paradigm shift from anterior decompression and fusion to muscle-preserving selective laminectomy: a single-center study of degenerative cervical myelopathy

OBJECTIVE

Muscle-preserving selective laminectomy (SL) is an alternative to conventional decompression surgery in patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). It is less invasive, preserves the extensor musculature, and maintains the range of motion of the cervical spine. Therefore, the preferred treatment for DCM at the authors' institution has changed from anterior decompression and fusion (ADF), including anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF), toward SL. The aim of this study was to evaluate surgical outcomes before and after this paradigm shift with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), complications, reoperations, and cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective register-based cohort study. All patients with DCM who underwent ADF or SL at the authors' institution from 2008 to 2019 were reviewed. Using ANCOVA, changes in PROMs from baseline to the 2-year follow-up were compared between the two groups, adjusting for clinicodemographic parameters, baseline PROMs, number of decompressed levels, and MRI measurements (C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 sagittal vertical axis [SVA], and modified K-line interval [mK-line INT]). The PROMs, including the European Myelopathy Score (EMS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and the EQ-5D, were collected from the national Swedish Spine Register. Complications, reoperations, and in-hospital treatment costs were also compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Ninety patients (mean age 60.7 years, 51 men [57%]) were included in the ADF group and 63 patients (mean age 68.8 years, 41 men [65%]) in the SL group. The ADF and SL groups had similar PROMs at baseline. The preoperative MR images showed similar C2-7 Cobb angles (10.7° [ADF] vs 14.1° [SL], p = 0.12) and mK-line INTs (4.08 vs 4.88 mm, p = 0.07), but different C2-7 SVA values (16.2 vs 19.3 mm, p = 0.04). The comparison of ANCOVA-adjusted mean changes in PROMs from baseline to the 2-year follow-up presented no significant differences between the groups (EMS, p = 0.901; NDI, p = 0.639; EQ-5D, p = 0.378; and EQ-5D health, p = 0.418). The overall complication rate was twice as high in the ADF group (22.2% vs 9.5%, p = 0.049), while the reoperation rate was comparable (16.7% vs 7.9%, p = 0.146). The average in-hospital treatment cost per patient was $6617 (USD) for SL, $7046 for ACDF, and $12,000 for ACCF.

CONCLUSIONS

SL provides similar PROMs after 2 years, a significantly lower complication rate, and better cost-effectiveness compared with ADF.

A Comparison of Various Surgical Treatments for Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the short-term outcomes for Laminoplasty, Laminectomy/fusion, and ACDF.

METHODS

We utilized a prospectively-collected, multi-center national database with a propensity score matching algorithm to compare the short-term outcomes for laminoplasty, laminectomy/fusion, and multi-level (>3) ACDF (with and without corpectomy). Bivariate analyses involved both chi-square/fisher exact test and t-test/ANOVA on perioperative factors. Multivariate analyses were performed to determined independent risk factors for short term outcomes.

RESULTS

546 patients remained after propensity score matching, with 182 patients in each cohort. ACDF required the longest operative time 188 ± 79 versus laminectomy/fusion (169 ± 75, p = 0.017), and laminoplasty (167 ± 66, p = 0.004). ACDF required the shortest hospital stay (LOS ≥ 2: ACDF 56.6%, laminoplasty 89.6%, laminectomy/fusion 93.4%, p < 0.05). ACDF had lower overall complications (ACDF 3.9%, laminoplasty 7.7%, laminectomy/fusion 11.5%, p < 0.05), mortality (ACDF 0%, laminoplasty 0.55%, laminectomy/fusion 2.2%, p < 0.05), and unplanned readmissions (ACDF 4.4%, laminoplasty 4.4%, laminectomy/fusion 9.9%, p < 0.05). No significant differences were seen in the other outcomes including DVT/PT, acute renal failure, UTI, stroke, cardiac complications, or sepsis. In the multivariate analysis, laminectomy/fusion (OR 17, reference: ACDF) and laminoplasty (OR10, reference: ACDF) were strong independent risk factors for LOS ≥ 2 days. Laminectomy/fusion (OR 3.2, reference: ACDF) was an independent predictor for any adverse events 30-days after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Laminectomy/fusion carries the highest risk for morbidity, mortality, and unplanned readmissions in the short-term postoperative period. Laminoplasty and ACDF cases carry similar short-term complications risks. ACDF is significantly associated with the longest operative duration and shortest LOS without an increase in individual or overall complications, readmissions, or reoperations.

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.

Efficacy and safety of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) through mini-incision and posterior laminoplasty (LAMP) for treatment of long-level cervical spondylosis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) through mini-incision and posterior laminoplasty for long-level cervical spondylosis were investigated.

METHOD

From January 2018 to September 2019, clinical patients data with 3-4 segments (C3-7) cervical spondylotic radiculopathy, cervical spondylotic myelopathy, or mixed cervical spondylosis who received ACDF (42 cases) throughwith mini-incision or LAMP (36 cases) treatment were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The operative time, bleeding volume, incisive length, and hospital stay were recorded. Moreover, the intervertebral height, functional segment height, cervical lordosis, cervical hyperextension and hyperflexion range-of-motion (ROM) and ROM in all directions of the cervical spine before and after the operation were measured. Additionally, all relevant postoperative complications were also recorded. Then, the therapeutic effects of both surgical methods were investigated.

RESULTS

Patients in the ACDF group had less bleeding, shorter incision, and fewer hospitalization days than the LAMP group. There was no significant difference in JOA, VAS score of the upper limb, NDI score after surgery between two groups. Postoperative intervertebral height and functional segment height in the ACDF group were significantly higher than those before the operation, and postoperative functional segment height of the ACDF group was significantly higher than that of the LAMP group. Moreover, the postoperative cervical lordosis angle in the ACDF group was significantly larger than the LAMP group. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative ROM in all directions of the cervical spine for the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both ACDF through mini-incision and LAMP are effective treatments for long-level cervical spondylosis. However, ACDF through mini-incision shows minor trauma, less bleeding, fast recovery, and it is beneficial for cervical lordosis reconstruction.

[Effect of prophylactic C 4, 5 foraminal dilatation in posterior cervical open-door surgery on postoperative C 5 nerve root palsy syndrome]

Objective

To investigate the effect of prophylactic C _{4, 5} foraminal dilatation in posterior cervical open-door surgery on postoperative C ₅ nerve root palsy syndrome.

Methods

The clinical data of patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (cervical spinal cord compression segments were more than 3) who met the selection criteria between March 2016 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 40 patients underwent prophylactic C _{4, 5} foraminal dilatation in posterior cervical open-door surgery (observation group) and 40 patients underwent simple posterior cervical open-door surgery (control group). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in gender, age, disease duration, Nurick grade of spinal cord symptoms, and preoperative diameter of C _{4, 5} intervertebral foramen, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The occurrence of C ₅ nerve root paralysis syndrome was recorded and compared between the two groups, including incidence, paralysis time, recovery time, and spinal cord drift. VAS and JOA scores were used to evaluate the improvement of pain and function before operation and at 12 months after operation.

Results

The incisions of the two groups healed by first intention, and there was no early postoperative complications such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Patients of both groups were followed up 12-23 months, with an average of 17.97 months. C ₅ nerve root paralysis syndrome occurred in 8 cases in the observation group (3 cases on the right and 5 cases on the left) and 2 cases in the control group (both on the right). There was significant difference of the incidence (20% vs. 5%) between the two groups ( χ ²=4.114, P=0.043). Except for 1 case in the observation group who developed C ₅ nerve root palsy syndrome at 5 days after operation, the rest patients all developed at 1 day after operation; the recovery time of the observation group and the control group were (3.87±2.85) months and (2.50±0.70) months respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups ( t=-0.649, P=0.104). At 12 months after operation, the JOA score and VAS score of cervical spine in the two groups significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the difference of the cervical spine JOA score and VAS score between at 12 months after operation and before operation and the degree of spinal cord drift between the two groups ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

Prophylactic C _{4, 5} foraminal dilatation can not effectively prevent and reduce the occurrence of postoperative C ₅ root palsy, on the contrary, it may increase its incidence, so the clinical application of this procedure requires caution.

The Rare Occurrence of Reoperation After Cervical Laminoplasty: A 14-Year Retrospective Review of Reoperative Rates at a Single Institution

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rate of recurrent or adjacent-level stenosis requiring reoperation after single-door cervical laminoplasty for spondylotic myelopathy at our institution.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Adjacent-level stenosis requiring reoperation is a commonly evaluated condition for anterior or posterior arthrodesis, however, there are few studies that evaluate adjacent-level stenosis in the case of cervical laminoplasty.

METHODS

Retrospective review of adults undergoing cervical laminoplasty for spondylotic myelopathy between January 2005 and May 2018 at our institution. Demographics, symptom duration, stenotic levels, preoperative and postoperative Medical Research Council motor, American Spinal Injury Association, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, and Nurick grade were obtained. Postoperative data included presence of C5 palsy, infection rate, alleviation or persistence of symptoms, and rate of recurrent or adjacent-level stenosis.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients underwent cervical laminoplasty; mean age was 56.7 years (±12.96). Most were men (n=76, 74.5%), with myelopathy (n=64, 63.4%), C4 (n=94, 93.1%), and C5 (n=92, 91.1%) cervical stenosis; mean symptom duration was 55 days (7 d to 2.8 y). Average follow-up was 6.4 months (±3.4). After surgery, there was statistically significant improvement in Nurick grade (3.1±2.2 vs. 2.7±2.4, P=0.002) and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (11.4±3.7 vs. 13.9±3.6, P<0.001); American Spinal Injury Association scores also improved (P<0.001). Rate of postoperative C5 palsy was 7.8% (n=8); postoperative infection rate was 1.96% (n=2). Reoperation rate was 4.9% (n=5); reoperation for recurrent or adjacent-level stenosis was 1.96% (n=2).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent or adjacent-level stenosis requiring reoperation after cervical laminoplasty is rare. Longitudinal studies are needed to verify correlation between motion preservation and incidence of adjacent or recurrent stenosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-treatment benefits: nonrandomized controlled cohort/follow-up study.

Predictors for quality of life improvement after surgery for degenerative cervical myelopathy: a prospective multi-center study

BACKGROUND

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) can significantly impair a patient's quality of life (QOL). In this study, we aimed to identify predictors associated with QOL improvement after surgery for DCM.

METHODS

This study included 148 patients who underwent surgery for DCM. The European QOL-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) score, the Japanese Orthopedic Association for the assessment of cervical myelopathy (C-JOA) score, and the Nurick grade were used as outcome measures. Radiographic examinations were performed at enrollment. The associations of baseline variables with changes in EQ-5D scores from preoperative to 1-year postoperative assessment were investigated using a multivariable linear regression model.

RESULTS

The EQ-5D and C-JOA scores and the Nurick grade improved after surgery (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). Univariable analysis revealed that preoperative EQ-5D and C-JOA scores were significantly associated with increased EQ-5D scores from preoperative assessment to 1 year after surgery (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.045). Multivariable regression analysis showed that the independent preoperative predictors of change in QOL were lumbar lordosis (LL), sacral slope (SS), and T1 pelvic angle (TPA). According to the prediction model, the increased EQ-5D score from preoperatively to 1 year after surgery = 0.308 - 0.493 × EQ-5D + 0.006 × LL - 0.008 × SS + 0.004 × TPA.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative LL, SS, and TPA significantly impacted the QOL of patients who underwent surgery for DCM. Less improvement in QOL after surgery was achieved in patients with smaller LL and TPA and larger SS values. Patients with these risk factors may therefore require additional support to experience adequate improvement in QOL.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing anterior decompression with fusion and posterior laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

BACKGROUND

The optimal surgical procedure for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) remains controversial because there are few comprehensive studies that have investigated the surgical methods. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate evidence in the literature and to compare the surgical outcomes between anterior decompression with fusion (ADF) and laminoplasty, which are representative procedures for CSM.

METHODS

An extensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to identify comparative studies of ADF and laminoplasty for CSM. The language was restricted to English, and the publication period was from January 2001 to July 2019. We only included studies of CSM and excluded studies that involved patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and treatments with posterior instrumented fusion. We extracted outcomes from the studies, such as preoperative and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, cervical alignment, surgical complications and reoperation rates. Then, a meta-analysis was performed on these surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

Nine studies were obtained, and the quality of the studies was acceptable. In the meta-analysis, the preoperative JOA score was similar between the ADF and laminoplasty groups. The postoperative JOA scores and neurological recovery rates were not different between the ADF and laminoplasty groups. ADF exhibited more favorable results than laminoplasty in terms of postoperative cervical alignment. In contrast, overall complications were more frequently observed in the ADF group than in the laminoplasty group, leading to higher rates of reoperation. However, postoperative neck pain was more frequently observed in the laminoplasty group than in the ADF group.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed both the merits and shortcomings of ADF and laminoplasty. ADF and laminoplasty showed similar results in terms of neurological recovery. Postoperative cervical lordosis was better preserved with ADF than with laminoplasty. However, ADF was associated with a higher incidence of surgical complications than laminoplasty.

Outcome Measures and Variables Affecting Prognosis of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations

This study is conducted to review the literature systematically to determine most reliable outcome measures, important clinical and radiological variables affecting the prognosis in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients. A literature search was performed for articles published during the last 10 years. As functional outcome measures we recommend to use modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, Nurick’s grade, and Myelopathy Disability Index. Three clinical variables that affect the outcomes are age, duration of symptoms, and severity of the myelopathy. Examination findings require more detailed study to validate their effect on the outcomes. The predictive variables affecting the outcomes are hand atrophy, leg spasticity, clonus, and Babinski’s sign. Among the radiological variables, the curvature of the cervical spine is the most important predictor of prognosis. Patients with instability are expected to have a poor surgical outcome. Spinal cord compression ratio is a critical factor for prognosis. High signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images is a negative predictor for prognosis. The most important predictors of outcome are preoperative severity and duration of symptoms. T2 hyperintensity and cord compression ratio can also predict outcomes. New radiological tests may give promising results in the future.

Posterior Surgical Techniques for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations

Objective

This study was conducted to determine and recommend the most up-to-date information on the indications, complications, and outcomes of posterior surgical treatments for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) on the basis of a literature review.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed, using the MEDLINE (PubMed), the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases, for peer-reviewed articles published in English during the last 10 years.

Results

Posterior techniques, which include laminectomy alone, laminectomy with fusion, and laminoplasty, are often used in patients with involvement of 3 or more levels. Posterior decompression for CSM is effective for improving patients’ neurological function. Complications resulting from posterior cervical spine surgery include injury to the spinal cord and nerve roots, complications related to posterior screw fixation or instrumentation, C5 palsy, spring-back closure of lamina, and postlaminectomy kyphosis.

Conclusion

It is necessary to consider multiple factors when deciding on the appropriate operation for a particular patient. Surgeons need to tailor preoperative discussions to ensure that patients are aware of these facts. Further research is needed on the cost-to-benefit analysis of various surgical approaches, the comparative efficacy of surgical approaches using various techniques, and long-term outcomes, as current knowledge is deficient in this regard.

Posterior Revision Surgery for Cervical Open-Door Laminoplasty Because of Poor Expansion of the Spinal Canal

OBJECTIVE

Few studies have addressed the causes of poor expansion of the spinal canal after open-door laminoplasty (ODL) that require revision surgery. The aim of this study is to identify the reasons of poor expansion of the spinal canal after ODL and to discuss the surgical methods and clinical outcomes of the posterior revision surgery.

METHODS

All patients who underwent posterior revision surgery because of poor expansion of the spinal canal after ODL were retrospectively reviewed at our spine center. Clinical data, radiologic findings, method of surgical revision, interval between surgeries, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

We identified 16 patients that underwent posterior revision surgery because of poor expansion of the spinal canal after ODL. The main causes of poor expansion of the spinal canal included inadequate expansion degree of the spinal canal (75%, 12/16) and improper expansion range of the spinal canal (25%, 4/16). Revision surgery was performed with posterior ODL, laminectomy and fusion (LCF), or laminectomy of responsible lamina. The interval between the initial procedure and revision surgery was 72.2 months (range, 0.5-168 months). The mean JOA score was restored from 10.6 (range, 8-13) to 14.3 (range, 13-17) after the revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The main causes of poor expansion of the spinal canal after ODL were inadequate expansion degree of the spinal canal and improper expanded range of the spinal canal. Posterior revision surgeries, such as ODL, LCF, and laminectomy of responsible lamina, could guarantee fine clinical results.

Anterior versus posterior approach for the therapy of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND

The goal of this meta-analysis is to explore the overall efficacy as well as the safety of anterior versus posterior approach for the therapy of patients with multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy based on qualified studies.

METHODS

Three electronic databases, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase were searched updated to January 2018 to identify all relevant and qualified studies using the index words. The qualified studies were including prospective or retrospective comparative studies. Relative risk (RR) and mean difference (MD) along with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to analyze the main outcomes.

RESULTS

In this meta-analysis, there were a total of 24 studies with 959 patients in the anterior approach group and 1072 patients in the posterior approach group. The final results showed, in comparison of the posterior approach group, the anterior approach group significantly increased the JOA score (SMD: 0.36, 95% CI 0.10-0.62), the operation time (WMD: 49.87, 95% CI 17.67-82.08), and the neurological recovery rate (WMD: 10.55, 95% CI 3.99-17.11) with higher complication rate (RR: 1.53, 95% CI 1.24-1.89). Besides, there was no significant difference of the blood loss (SMD: - 0.40, 95% CI - 1.12 to 0.32) and ROM (SMD: - 0.28, 95% CI - 0.78 to - 0.22) between posterior approach group and anterior approach group.

CONCLUSIONS

Studies found a significant increase of JOA score as well as neurological recovery rate by the anterior approach treatment when compared with posterior approach treatment. However, increased operation time and complications could also occur through the anterior approach treatment. More high-quality randomized controlled trials with larger sample size, multi-centric and longer follow-ups are needed to support our current conclusions.

Comparison of anchor screw fixation versus mini-plate fixation in unilateral expansive open-door laminoplasty for the treatment of multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Anchor screw fixation and mini-plate fixation are widely used in unilateral open-door laminoplasty. There is a great controversy over the preferred fixation method. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes between anchor screw fixation and mini-plate fixation for the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (MCSM).

METHODS

Related studies that compared the clinical effectiveness of anchor screw fixation and mini-plate fixation in cervical laminoplasty for the treatment of MCSM were acquired by a comprehensive search in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, CNKI, VIP, and WANFANG up to March, 2018. Included studies were evaluated according to eligibility criteria. The main end points included: preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, postoperative JOA scores, JOA scores improvement rate, preoperative and postoperative cervical range of motion (ROM), preoperative and postoperative cervical curvature index (CCI), lamina open angle, operation time, blood loss, C5 nerve palsy rate and axial symptoms rate.

RESULTS

Papers in English and Chinese were searched for the initial review, but only 12 articles in Chinese were included in this meta-analysis. All of the selected studies were of high quality as indicated by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Among 809 patients, 372 underwent anchor screw fixation and 437 underwent mini-plate fixation. The results of this meta-analysis indicated that no significant difference was found in preoperative JOA score, JOA scores improvement rate, preoperative CCI, preoperative ROM, C5 palsy rate and blood loss. However, compared with mini-plate fixation, anchor screw fixation patients showed higher axial symptoms rate [RR = 1.75, 95% CI (1.31, 2.35), P <.05], lower postoperative JOA scores [SMD = -0.38, 95% CI (-0.62, -0.15), P <.05], lower postoperative CCI [SMD = -0.64, 95% CI (-0.94, -0.33), P <.05], lower postoperative ROM [SMD = -1.11, 95% CI (-2.18, -0.04), P <.05], smaller lamina open angle [SMD = -1.98, 95% CI (-3.71, -0.24), P <.05], shorter operation time [SMD = -0.33, 95% CI (-0.59, -0.07), P <.05].

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with anchor screw fixation, mini-plate fixation in cervical laminoplasty appears to achieve better clinical and radiographic outcomes with fewer surgical complications. However, future well-designed, randomized controlled trials are still needed to further confirm our results.