Clinical Outcomes Following Cervical Laminoplasty for 19 Patients with Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

OBJECTIVE: Cervical laminoplasty is an effective procedure. We describe the technique of open-door and french-door cervical laminoplasty and present our clinical results. METHODS: All patients undergoing laminoplasty at our clinic during the 19972008 period were included in the study. All patients had myeloradiculopathy. Neurological functions and recovery in myelopathy in patients were evaluated using the Nurick score. Pre- and postoperative kyphotic evaluation was measured using the sagittal tangent method. Peri- and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation showed that all patients had reduced postoperative complaints compared to their complaints before the procedure. Average time of surgery was 180 min. Average blood loss in surgeries was 300 cc. According to the Nurick classification, no improvement was observed in seven patients; nine patients showed improvement of one grade; and three patients showed an improvement of two grades. Temporary C5 nerve root paralysis was observed in two patients as a postoperative complication. Complete recovery was observed in both patients within 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laminoplasty is a safe and effective alternative procedure to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy.