RESUMO
[Objective]To investigate the value of double plates in the anterior approach for the treatment of jumping multilevel CSM.[Method]From July 2003 to July 2004,21 cases of jumping multilevel CSM and 7 cases of CSM were operated with single level discectomy/anterior corpectomy and self-iliac bone graft and fixation by double plates.During the 6,9,12 month follow-up,bone fusion were assessed and neurological function、complications were recorded.[Result]All patients were followed up for 16~32 months(24 months on average).Based on JOA evaluation,the average improving rate was 88.5%.And 82.1% fusion was achieved at 6 months,the fusion rate reached 89.3% and 93% at 9 and 12 months accordingly.There were 6 cases with complications in the donor site of grafting.Indications of this approach:the compressing pathology was located anterior to the spinal cord.This included central,broad-based disc herniations and large bridging osteophytes at or adjacent to the level of the disc space.And it was especially indicated for patients with jumping multilevel CSM who did not have a lordotic spine.Complications:complications occurring with this approach could be related to injuries to the soft tissue during dissection or to the neurological elements.In addition,postoperative fusion or hardware failure could occur.[Conclusion]Single level discectomy/anterior corpectomy and self-iliac bone graft and fixation by double plates is an effective treatment to the jumping multilevel CSM.It allows restoration of the spinal canal and neural foramen to normal dimensions to decompress the spinal cord.To the cases of jumping multilevel CSM that have a kyphotic deformity,it allows anterior decompression and reconstruction of the spine to help restore a lordotic curvature.