Study of Functional Outcome of Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Using Tricortical Iliac Bone Graft for Degenerative Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy with Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association Score

Abstract BACKGROUND: Factors that can predict the recovery of cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients postoperatively are of significant interest to physicians and patients and their families. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are a common method of examination after surgery, and thus of interest as a predictor of outcome. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether findings on MRI at 6 months postoperatively could predict recovery at 1 year in CSM patients. METHODS: In 52 consecutive prospective patients, MRI was performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. T1 and T2 signal change (area, height, and segmentation) and spinal cord re-expansion were measured. Outcome measures evaluated at 1 year postoperatively were compared with preoperative values. Univariate and stepwise multiple regressions were undertaken. RESULTS: Using univariate analysis, patients whose cord failed to re-expand had poorer outcome according to the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score and Nurick score (P = .014) and grip test (P = .006) postoperatively. Stepwise multivariate regression showed lack of cord re-expansion to be predictive of prognosis postoperatively in the modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score (P = .013) and Berg Balance Scale (P = .014), and walking test (P = .011). Postoperative hyperintense T2 signal change was predictive of worse outcome on the Berg Balance Scale (P = .014) and walking test (P = .020), Nurick score (P = .001), and Short Form-36 scores (P = .020). In cases in which the T2 signal intensified, there was a poorer outcome on Nurick scores (P = .013), grip test (P = .017), and Short Form-36 scores (P = .030). CONCLUSION: Findings on postoperative MRI at 6 months is of predictive value in determining outcomes in CSM patients. The persistence and type of T2 signal change and lack of re-expansion of the cord correlate with poorer recovery and likely reflect irreversible structural changes in the spinal cord.

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CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY TREATED BY OBLIQUE CORPECTOMY

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/01.neu.0000317316.56235.a7 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 62 (3) ◽

pp. 674-682 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Talat Kiris ◽

Cumhur Kilinçer

Keyword(s):

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽

Cervical Spinal Cord ◽

Good Alternative ◽

Morbidity Rate ◽

Japanese Orthopedic Association Score ◽

Association Score ◽

Japanese Orthopedic Association ◽

Oblique Corpectomy ◽

Four Levels

Abstract OBJECTIVE Anterolateral partial oblique corpectomy (OC) aims to decompress the cervical spinal cord without subsequent fusion and saves the patient from graft-, instrument-, and fusion-related complications. Although it is a promising technique, there are few studies dealing with its efficacy and safety. METHODS In this prospective study, 40 consecutive patients underwent an OC (one to four levels from C3 to C7) for cervical spondylotic myelopathy; they ranged in age from 43 to 78 years (mean, 55 yr). The average follow-up period was 59 months (range, 24–98 mo). Clinical and radiological data were analyzed to assess the results and find possible factors related to outcomes. RESULTS Thirty-seven (92.5%) of the 40 patients improved by the 6-month follow-up examination according to the Japanese Orthopedic Association score. The improvement was the most prominent in lower extremity dysfunction. Recovery was positively correlated with the preoperative Japanese Orthopedic Association score (r = 0.37, P = 0.018). Permanent Horner's syndrome developed in four patients (10%). During the long-term follow-up period, neurological improvement was maintained and there were no signs of postoperative instability, posture change, or axial pain. CONCLUSION OC for treating multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy achieved good results with a low morbidity rate. The results of the current study suggest that OC is a good alternative to conventional median corpectomy and fusion techniques in selected cases.

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A Prospective, Randomized Trial Comparing Expansile Cervical Laminoplasty and Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion for Multilevel Cervical Myelopathy

Neurosurgery ◽

10.1227/neu.0b013e3182305669 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 70 (2) ◽

pp. 264-277 ◽

Cited By ~ 84

Author(s):

Glen R. Manzano ◽

Gizelda Casella ◽

Michael Y. Wang ◽

Steven Vanni ◽

Allan D. Levi

Keyword(s):

Range Of Motion ◽

Cervical Myelopathy ◽

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽

Cervical Laminoplasty ◽

Japanese Orthopedic Association Score ◽

Association Score ◽

Japanese Orthopedic Association ◽

Canal Area ◽

Cervical Laminectomy ◽

Laminectomy And Fusion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Controversy exists as to the best posterior operative procedure to treat multilevel compressive cervical spondylotic myelopathy. OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical, radiological, and patient satisfaction outcomes between expansile cervical laminoplasty (ECL) and cervical laminectomy and fusion (CLF). METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized study of ECL vs CLF in patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myelopathy. End points included the Short Form-36, Neck Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association score, Nurick score, and radiographic measures. RESULTS: A survey of academic North American spine surgeons (n = 30) demonstrated that CLF is the most commonly used (70%) posterior procedure to treat multilevel spondylotic cervical myelopathy. A total of 16 patients were randomized: 7 to CLF and 9 to ECL. Both groups showed improvements in their Nurick grade and Japanese Orthopedic Association score postoperatively, but only the improvement in the Nurick grade for the ECL group was statistically significant (P < .05). The cervical range of motion between C2 and C7 was reduced by 75% in the CLF group and by only 20% in the ECL group in a comparison of preoperative and postoperative range of motion. The overall increase in canal area was significantly (P < .001) greater in the CLF group, but there was a suggestion that the adjacent level was more narrowed in the CLF group in as little as 1 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In many respects, ECL compares favorably to CLF. Although the patient numbers were small, there were significant improvements in pain measures in the ECL group while still maintaining range of motion. Restoration of spinal canal area was superior in the CLF group.

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