The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in group A were significantly less than those in group B ( P0.05). The hemoglobin of group B was slightly higher than that of group A at 1 day after operation, but there was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=-1.260, P=0.214). All the patients were followed up 6-10 months (mean, 7.6 months). No serious complications such as C 5 nerve paralysis, dural tear, infection, epidural hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, transfusion allergy, or shock occurred during and after operation. The JOA scores of the two groups were significant improved at 6 months after operation when compared with preoperative scores ( P0.05).
Conclusion:
Compared with the traditional gun-clamp decompression, the effectiveness of PCLDF in treatment of C-OPLL by using ultrasonic osteotome is comparable, but the latter can effectively reduce the operation time and blood loss.