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Laminoplasty likely a valid option for spinal cord decompression
A literature review of laminoplasty studies from 2003 to 2013 showed the procedure evolved during that decade and is a valid option for spinal cord decompression, according to researchers.
The researchers searched the Medline database for studies published from 2003 to 2013 that included the key words “laminoplasty,” “laminectomy” and “posterior cervical spine procedures.” A total of 103 studies, all of which contained at least one of the prespecified outcome variables, were identified. All of the studies included in the final review also included patient outcome reports following a laminoplasty procedure.
The studies included data from 130 patient groups, comprising a total of 8,949 patients, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring was the most commonly reported outcome. In the 4,949 patients for whom a JOA score was reported, the researchers observed an improvement from a mean score of 9.91 to a score of 13.68 at an average follow-up of 44.18 months.
Both preoperatively and postoperatively, mean C2-7 angles remained stable, according to the researchers, from 14.17° of lordosis to 13.98° of lordosis. Additionally, the researchers found a significant decrease in kyphosis when muscle-sparing or posterior element-sparing techniques were employed.
According to the researchers, findings indicated a shift in surgical trends toward the use of miniplates or hydroxyapatite spacers on the open side in Hirabayashi-type and Kurokawa-type laminoplasties. They hypothesized that a future trend may be to use muscle-spacing techniques. – by Robert Linnehan
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.