Combined cervical laminoplasty and foraminotomy for coexistence of cervical myelopathy and unilateral radiculopathy: case series and preliminary results

Abstract

Background: The clinical outcomes and radiographic changes of a one-stage procedure combining cervical laminoplasty and unilateral cervical foraminotomy for patients with coexisting cervical myelopathy and unilateral radiculopathy were evaluated.

Methods: Seven patients (two females and five males) with coexisting cervical myelopathy and unilateral cervical radiculopathy were included in this study. The mean age was 58.4 years (range 45-77 years). Cervical laminoplasty and unilateral cervical foraminotomy were performed on the recruited patients in a single stage. The quantitative clinical changes between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative assessment were analyzed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, the JOA Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOA-CMEQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Moreover, the preoperative and 6-month postoperative radiographic changes were assessed using the C2-7 angle and range of motion (ROM) between flexion and extension angle.

Results: There were significant differences in QOL in the JOA-CMEQ between the groups. Furthermore, the postoperative VAS values in the arms and hands generally improved, although not significantly, between the groups.

Conclusions: The aforementioned surgical procedure may be safe and efficient for patients with coexisting cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy.

Keywords: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy; Foraminotomy; Laminoplasty; Myelopathy; Radiculopathy.