Cervical posterior implant fixation for multi-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy：improves symptoms but diminishes cervical range of motion / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Cervical Open-door laminoplasty with unilateral mass screw fixation and laminectomy with bilateral mass screw fixation are both procedures that treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy by expanding the space available for the spinal cord. Effectiveness and safety of two operative methods remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the biocompatibility of implant and host between open-door laminoplasty with unilateral mass screw fixation and laminectomy with bilateral mass screw fixation to treat multi-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy. METHODS: Data of 117 patients with multi-segment cervical spondylotic myelopathy (≥ 3 segments) were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-five cases underwent open-door laminoplasty with unilateral mass screw fixation (laminoplasty group). Fifty-two cases underwent laminectomy with bilateral mass screw fixation (laminectomy group). Clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system and by recovery rate. Cervical curvature index and cervical range of motion were assessed by X-ray films in both groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The average folow-up time was 28 months (range 12-59 months) in both groups. No C5 nerve root palsy occurred in the two groups. Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores were greater during final folow-up than pre-fixation in both groups (P 0.05). Cervical range of motion was lower during final folow-up than pre-fixation in both groups (P < 0.01). Results confirmed that open-door laminoplasty with unilateral mass screw fixation and laminectomy with bilateral mass screw fixation have similar effectiveness in the improvement of neurological function, relieving pain and reducing complications, but wil greatly reduce the cervical range of motion.