Laminoplasty following anterior cervical fusion for spondylotic myeloradiculopathy

Abstract

Eighteen patients with spondylotic myeloradiculopathy who had undergone expansive laminoplasty after anterior cervical fusion were reviewed. The average period from the initial to the second operation was 7.8 years. Excellent neurological improvement occurred in 4 patients, good in 6, fair in 4 and poor in 4. Radiographs at the time of the second operation showed spinal canal stenosis in 11, and 12 showed dynamic spinal canal stenosis immediately above the fused area. A narrow spinal canal adds to the risk of recurrence. When spinal stenosis is treated by anterior cervical fusion, additional laminoplasty should be carried out to prevent structural compromise occurring adjacent to the fused vertebrae.