Anterior cervical intervertebral space decompression under microscope for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in elderly patients / 中国骨伤

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical effects of anterior cervical intervertebral space decompression under microscope in treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy in elderly patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2009 to March 2012, 43 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy were treated with anterior cervical intervertebral space decompression and intervertebral fusion under microscope. There were 26 males and 17 females, aged from 60 to 72 years old with an average of (64.9±3.7) years. Japanese Orthopaedic Association System (JOA) score was from 7 to 12 points with an average of (9.5±1.8) points before operation. The function of nerves was assessed before and after operation according to JOA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All patients were followed up from 10 to 18 months with an average of (14.7±1.6) months. Postoperative JOA score was (13.81±1.44) points (ranged, 10 to 16), had significantly higher than preoperative (P<0.01). According to the rate of the improved JOA score, 9 cases got excellent results, 26 good, 7 fair, 1 poor.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anterior cervical intervertebral space decompression under microscope for cervical spondylotic myelopathy in elderly patients is safe and effective.</p>