Follow-up after cervical laminectomy, with special reference to instability and deformity.

Abstract

Misalignment and instability after cervical laminectomy, performed to treat spondylotic myelopathy, has been described as possible adverse effects. Forty-six consecutively patients on whom laminectomy had been performed in a 4-year period were identified; 7.7 +/- 0.6 years after operation, 11 patients had died and 27 patients were available for follow-up. Postoperative static subluxation was observed in 26% of the patients with an average slip of 3.7 +/- 3.1 mm; 7% had abnormal intervertebral movement displaying 1-2 mm movement from full flexion to full extension. Seventy-four per cent of the patients showed abnormal spinal curvature as judged from radiographs. However, no correlation with outcome was observed. Seventy-four per cent of the patients thought of the result of the operation as either good or fair; objectively, the best long-term effect of the operation was upon arm function. Although some patients develop postural anomaly, laminectomy remains, in terms of instability, a justifiable procedure in the elderly patient with spondylosis.

• Authors: J Hansen-Schwartz, C Kruse-Larsen, C J Nielsen
• Journal: British journal of neurosurgery (Br J Neurosurg) Vol. 17 Issue 4 Pg. 301-5 (Aug 2003) ISSN: 0268-8697 [Print] England
• PMID: 14579894 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Cervical Vertebrae (surgery)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Joint Instability (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Laminectomy (adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Radiography
• Spinal Curvatures (diagnostic imaging, etiology)
• Spinal Osteophytosis (surgery)
• Treatment Outcome