Surgical and Functional Outcomes of Expansive Open-Door Laminoplasty for Patients With Mild Kyphotic Cervical Alignment.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the cervical dynamics, neurological function, pain, and quality of life in patients with mild cervical kyphotic alignment who underwent expansive unilateral open-door laminoplasty (ELAP).

METHODS:

In this retrospective single-center study, we reviewed the surgical outcomes of 80 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who were followed for at least 2 years. The patients were categorized into the preoperative kyphotic group (C2-7 angle < 0°) and nonkyphotic group (angle ≥ 0°). We compared clinical information, radiographic parameters, Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ) scores, and cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores between the groups.

RESULTS:

The kyphotic and nonkyphotic groups comprised 17 and 63 patients, respectively. The preoperative C2-7 angles were -3.7° in the kyphotic group and 15.4° in the nonkyphotic group (p < 0.01). In the kyphotic group, kyphotic alignment improved to lordosis at the final follow-up (2.6°, p = 0.01). The preoperative (16.4° vs. 24.1°, p < 0.01) and finalfollow-up (17.8° vs. 24.5°, p < 0.01) C7 slopes were significantly smaller in the kyphotic group. ELAP reduced pain in the arms or hands (p = 0.02) and improved the JOA scores (p < 0.01) in the kyphotic group. Patient-reported outcomes assessed using the JOACMEQ showed comparable effective rates in both groups.

CONCLUSION:

Patients with mild cervical kyphosis showed smaller C7 slopes as a compensatory mechanism. Kyphotic angles significantly improved to lordosis after ELAP, resulting in favorable clinical outcomes. ELAP is a useful surgical option for patients even if they present mild kyphotic cervical angles.

• Authors: Narihito Nagoshi, Satoshi Nori, Osahiko Tsuji, Satoshi Suzuki, Eijiro Okada, Mitsuru Yagi, Masaya Nakamura, Morio Matsumoto, Kota Watanabe
• Journal: Neurospine (Neurospine) Vol. 18 Issue 4 Pg. 749-757 (Dec 2021) ISSN: 2586-6583 [Print] Korea (South)
• PMID: 35000328 (Publication Type: Journal Article)