[Static and dynamic modifications of the cervical spine after laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy]. / Modifications statiques et dynamiques du rachis cervical après laminoplastie cervicale dans le traitement de la myélopathie cervicarthrosique: à propos de 30 cas avec un recul moyen de 3,7 ans.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Cervical laminoplasty has been widely used in Japan as the treatment of progressive cervical myelopathy. However, in 1993, Guigui reported that extensive cervical laminectomy was enough for the treatment of cervical myelopathy secondary to stenotic conditions. The purpose of this report was to compare the results of extensive laminectomy as reported by Guigui in 1998 with those of laminoplasty in our series using exactly the same criteria for anatomic analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty patients aged over 40 years who underwent a spinous process splitting laminoplasty using a threadwire saw from C3 to C7 without fusion for cervical spondylotic myelopathy were reviewed retrospectively with an average follow-up of 3.7 years. Functional results were evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopedic Association scoring system for cervical myelopathy. Lateral views in the neutral position, in flexion, and in extension of the preoperative cervical roentgenograms were analyzed in comparison with the last follow-up films in order to identify the change in the curvature of the cervical alignment, in the range of neck motion, in the intervertebral angular mobility, and in the anteroposterior displacement of the vertebral bodies, and finally to identify the incidence of spinal instability. These data were compared with those of extensive laminectomy published by Guigui. RESULTS: Seven patients (23%) developed postoperative changes in cervical spine curvature. Only one patient had a new destabilized level postoperatively. No patient required new surgery. Compared with the results obtained after extensive cervical laminectomy, incidence of new destabilized level or aggravated level was statistically lower after laminoplasty than after laminectomy. CONCLUSION: Spinous process splitting laminoplasty causes an ossification between the remaining spinous process and an unexpected fusion of the lateral mass. These results may prevent postoperative segmental destabilization.

Substitute meniscus of Teflon-net for the knee joint of dogs.

Investigations conducted in 20 joints of 17 dogs suggest that a Teflon-net substitute meniscus preserves knee joint functions more effectively than a regenerated or absent meniscus. Teflon-net is an ideal material for meniscal replacement because it is easily obtainable, has flexibility and histo-compatibility, and is rapidly infiltrated with cells. A comparative study should be undertaken of knee joint functions with the substitute meniscus and the remains of the meniscus after partial meniscectomy before clinical use of the Teflon-net is feasible. The adhesion between the substitute meniscus and the popliteal muscle also requires further laboratory investigation.

[Resistance to traction of the periarticular ligaments and tendons of the knee]. / De la résistance à la traction des ligaments et tendons péri-articulaires du genou.

The authors present a methodical study concerning traction strength of the ligaments and the periarticular tendons of the knee. The straining potential and the mechanical strength of these elements are made clear. This study permits applications in chronic laxities of the knee by giving the mechanical value of the different kinds of tendon reconstruction.

[Habitual dislocation of the patella. Surgical treatment by a semitendinosis transplant (author's transl)]. / Luxations habituelles de rotule chez l'enfant. Méthode personnelle utilisant le demi-tendineux (semi-tendinosus); méthode d'Heusner modifiée.

The author describes a modification of surgical procedure described by Heusner for the management of habitual dislocation of the patella. The lateral patellar retina culum was divided, the medial retinaculum plicated and the semitendinosis transplanted subcutaneously and attached to the patella through a tunnel. 12 cases have been operated on with 9 satisfactory results but with three recurrences.

[Lumbar venography in the diagnosis of disc herniation (author's transl)]. / Apport de la phlébographie lombaire dans le diagnostic des hernies discales.

The authors have performed lumbar venography on 120 occasions in patients with low back pain. In 58 patients in whom the herniated disc was confirmed, the result of venography was positive and the localisation was precise in 67 cases. It is concluded that the method is safe, reliable and allows precision in diagnosis to allow better selection for surgical treatment. The examination is particularly useful in recurrent sciatica, fractures of the lumbar spine, recent or old, and in spinal stenosis. It may be associated with discography when the result is not clear cut.