Anterior decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Abstract

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is a clinical entity that manifests itself due to compression and ischemia of the spinal cord. The goal of treatment is to decompress the spinal cord and stabilize the spine in neutral, anatomical position. Since the obstruction and compression of the cord are localized in front of the cord, it is obvious that an anterior surgical approach is the preferred one. The different surgical procedures, complications, and outcome are discussed here.

Fig. 1.

Three level decompression and fusion with iliac crest grafts and internal fixation. Note the restoration of lordosis

Fig. 2.

Computed tomography 6 months after C5–C6 segmental fusion with cage (Cervios, Mathys, Bettlach, Switzerland) prefilled with β-tricalcium phosphate. Note the restitution of β-tricalcium phosphate by bone. a Sagittal plane. b Coronal plane