Square cervical laminoplasty incorporating spinous process: surgical technique.

BACKGROUND

We have used a laminoplasty technique in multilevel cervical canal stenosis that incorporates spinous process in the neural arch and does not require free graft or foreign material.

METHODS

In this technique, laminae and spinous processes were used to enlarge stenotic cervical spinal canal. Three patients (mean age 34.6 years) formed the study group with a mean follow-up period of 24.6 months. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) and lateral radiographs were used to assess results in terms of bony union, canal diameter, and alignment of cervical spine.

RESULTS

All patients noted some improvement in both sensory and motor functions. The average increase in sagittal diameter of cervical spinal canal was 4.2 mm, and decrease in range of motion (ROM) was 13.2 degrees. Bony fusions at the gutters were seen after 6 months.

CONCLUSION

This new technique of cervical laminoplasty is safe, effective, relatively easy, and avoids complications related to free grafts or metallic or nonmetallic foreign materials used in other techniques