Accuracy of the trough position in expansive open-door cervical laminoplasty using computer navigation techniques: a single-centre retrospective study

Purpose This study aims to assess whether computer navigation can improve the accuracy of the trough position and clinical outcomes of expansive open-door cervical laminoplasty (EOLP). Methods We reviewed a single centre of 28 conventional EOLP and 24 computer navigation EOLP cases. The conventional group had 102 laminae while the navigation group had 88. The distance from the medial cortex to the pedicle on the open-door side (OD) and hinge side (HD) was measured. Furthermore, the area of the spinal canal corresponding to each lamina before and after the surgical procedure was also measured. We then compared the differences in radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes between the two groups. Results OD and HD were smaller in the navigation group compared to the conventional group, and the enlarged area of the spinal canal was larger in the navigation group than in the conventional group. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores one year after the surgical procedure improved in both groups compared to the pre-operative period, and the JOA recovery rate was higher in the navigation group. The incidence of hinge fracture was lower in the navigation group, and the incidence of C5 palsy and axial pain was not statistically different between the two groups. Conclusion The use of computer navigation techniques has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy of EOLP compared to conventional procedures. It has been shown to more fully expand the spinal canal and contribute to clinical efficacy.