Posterior decompression for myelopathy due to cervical spondylosis: laminectomy alone versus laminectomy with dentate ligament section

In summary we have reviewed some of the studies and theories regarding the role of the dentate ligaments in cervical spondylosis and myelopathy and the logic which has been proposed either for or against their transection in the surgical treatment of this disease. A review of our own series of patients shows no significant increased morbidity in patients undergoing decompressive laminectomy, dentate ligament section, and dural graft as compared to laminectomy alone for treatment of myelopathy due to cervical spondylosis. Of equal importance is the fact that we could demonstrate no superiority in terms of neurological benefit between these two types of operative therapy. However, intradural inspection carried out as a matter of routine did reveal unexpected midline disk protrusions in two cases, the removal of which allowed the patients to do better than might have been expected from laminectomy alone. These findings lead us to conclude that intradural exploration is always indicated if there exists any doubt as to the nature of the basic pathological process. Also there has been presented some experimental evidence to support division of the dentate ligaments if an unresectable anterior lying mass is found.

Instrumentation of the spine for fracture dislocations in children

13 children, ages 11-16 years, sustained severe compression fractures or fracture dislocations of the thoracolumbar spine. All cases were treated with Harrington instrumentation with fusion and six also had decompressive laminectomy. All injuries had significant instability and neurologic deficits (nine complete). Follow-up of 2-10 years is provided for analysis of maintenance of reduction and neurologic improvement. This technique appears to offer stability, reduction of orthopedic defects, and assumption of a more aggressive rehabilitation program without introducing significant operative morbidity or neurologic deficit.

Laminotomy and total reconstruction of the posterior spinal arch for spinal canal surgery in childhood

Kyphosis, anterior subluxation, and instability of the spine are reported as postoperative complications of multiple level laminectomies in children. The surgical procedure of multiple level laminotomies is proposed as an alternative. Indications in infants and children, the surgical technique, and the postoperative management are presented. The goal is preservation of the normal architecture of the spine in patients who are still developing.

Influence of laminectomy on the course of cervical myelopathy

The pathogenesis of cervical myelopathy resulting from cervical spondylarthrosis seems to be the result of intermittent compression of the cervical cord and its feeding arteries. In the literature proof is given that both factors play an important role. By laminectomy or ventral fusion a regression of the neurological disability can be obtained. In our series of 75 patients there was no significant difference in the results obtained by either partial or total laminectomy. In all our cases there was a narrowing of the sagittal spinal diameter.

Post-laminectomy and post-fusion stenosis of the lumbar spine

On the basis of a 9-year experience with 231 patients with post-laminectomy and post-spinal fusion stenosis of the lumbar spinal canal, we emphasize the importance of recognizing and adequately decompressing such lesions. In the majority of such patients pain relief has been achieved, but some of the failures can be attributed to technical reasons. Most failures are due to associated lesions and to functional factors. A special surgical techniy be advisable. The indications for fusion however were few and require further investigation and evaluation. The significant failure rate points to the need for continuing research into the causes of low back pain and adequate management programs for the patient with the "multiple operated back" who still has disabling pain and drug dependence.

The effect of surgical immobilization after laminectomy in the treatment of advanced cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Surgical immobilization of the cervical spine after laminectomy is proposed for the treatment of severe cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) occurring with diffuse stenosis of the spinal canal (congenital or acquired). In 20 consecutive patients showing advanced CSM and cord compression at various levels, a laminectomy with posterior fixation was made, in most cases with the aid of a metal plate. In the evaluation of the severity of the myelopathy a slight modification of the Nurick scale was used. With the exception of three patients who developed complications unrelated to the technique, the results were very good as demonstrated by the long lasting improvement in the performance of the patients. The results emphasize the role which mechanical factors may play both, in the genesis of the disease and in the failures of the plain laminectomy.

Modified deep dorsal laminectomy in the dog

Spinal cord compression subsequent to radical laminectomy was investigated. A modified deep dorsal laminectomy technique was devised to allow extensive exposure and decompression of the canine spinal cord without undue hazard of postoperative fibrotic spinal cord compression. A previously described laminectomy technique was modified by the addition of spinal plating to avoid the occurrence of constrictive fibrosis.

[Pan-spinal ependymoma. Apropos of 2 cases with complete exeresis]

Authors performed in two patients a macroscopically complete exeresis of a panspinal ependymoma. The first case concerns a 27 years old woman, submitted to surgery in 1971, soon after a delivery, who exhibited a tumor in all points identical to the one described by G. Horrax an D. Henderson (1939). The second case concerns a male subject submitted to surgery in May 1973 because of a lesion extending from C2 to L2 and corresponding to a dorsal fleshy ependymoma, surrounded by two voluminous pseudosyringomyelic cysts, with respectively cervical and dorsal-lumbar localization. Such cases rare, with sometimes difficult clinical and roentgenologic diagnosis, raise before all problems of surgical tactics. We are dealing here with benign ependymomas, few favourable to roentgentherapy. Their management is surgical, i.e. complete exeresis. The few common extent of some of these tumors to the totality of the spinal cord does not modify in any manner such a principle. The same may be said of some etiologic circumstances, such as pregnancy, that often enough constitute a postponing of diagnosis and mangement detrimental for the patient. Only, the march of the surgical procedure may be object of discussion. The here reported experience lets appear that, when necessary, complete exeresis may be performed in one session under the same conditions and with the same spinal risks than for a less extensive analogous tumor. At long term the problem of spasticity of lower extremities has to be considered. However, in spite of extensive laminectomy, no major deformity of the vertebral column is to be noted.

Surgical treatment of nerve root compression caused by scoliosis of the lumbar spine

✓ Effective relief of radicular pain and recovery of function is reported in four elderly patients with lumbar scoliosis following surgical decompression of the lateral recesses of the spinal canal. The operation includes laminectomy or hemilaminectomy with unroofing of the lateral recesses and foramina by medial facetectomy or facetectomy. The patients tolerated surgery without morbidity, were walking within 2 or 3 days, and recovered without incident. The pathological anatomy and operative criteria are discussed.

Multiple subtotal somatectomy. Technique and evaluation of a series of 39 cases

The authors describe a surgical procedure called multiple subtotal somatectomy. This operation is indicated when canal stenosis is caused by posterior protrusions of the anterior wall of the spinal canal (due to osteophytes, posttraumatic deformities, or tumoral lesions) involving three or more cervical segments. The procedure's principal phases are (1) removal up to the posterior longitudinal ligament of the central portion of three or more vertebral bodies, and (2) insertion into the prepared trench (15-mm wide) of an autologous graft, previously obtained from the iliac wing. Thirty-nine cases are presented (29 spondylosic myelopathies, 10 posttraumatic myelopathies), with follow-up periods varying from 6 months to 13 years. All grafts united, and 36 patients were benefited, while only three failed to improve.