Surgical Results of Posterior Laminoforaminotomy and Discectomy for Cervical Disc Herniation

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Whether the anterior approach is better than the posterior one for cervical disc disease still remains unsettled. However, anterior discectomy and fusion procedures for all types of discs have been more popular than the posterior one. Posterior approach should not be underestimated since it has many benefits. To study it's feasibility, the effectivenes and safety of the lamino-foraminotomy for cervical disc disease, we review 10 surgical cases with posterior approach. METHODS: Ten consecutive cervical lateral disc protrusion cases which underwent lamino-foraminotomy with or without discectomy were reviewed. Patient's age, sex, main symptom, EMG studies, surgical procedure were studied retrospectively. The outcome was rated with Prolo's scale. RESULTS: There were one female and nine male patients. Major preoperative symptoms were radicular pain radiating to upper extremity, numbness, axial neck pain and motor weakness. Electromyography was performed in eight cases with six correspondent results. Lamino-foraminotomy was performed in all cases and discectomy was done in nine patients. By modified Prolo's outcome scale, nine patients enjoyed good results and one was moderate, nine patients were able to carry on their original occupations. The mean hospital stay was 14.6 days. There was no postoperative instability. CONCLUSION: With posterior approach, critical complications of anterior approach could be averted. No bone graft is needed. No graft donor site pain is expected either. Hospital stay could be shortened. The posterior foraminotomy is an easy and effective procedure in the treatment of patients for laterally located soft disc herniations.