Posterior approach in cervical spondylotic myeloradiculopathy.

Abstract

Clinical and radiological data are reported concerning 44 patients suffering from cervical spondylotic myeloradiculopathy, and operated by the posterior approach; late results are evaluated. Type of onset, signs and symptoms are specified. Myeloradicular involvement was present in 52% of cases, medullary in 41%, radicular in 7%. Congenital stenosis was present in 68% of patients. Laminectomy was performed at 2-3 levels in 4 cases, at 4 levels in 10 cases, at 5 levels in 14, and extended to 6 or more levels in 16 patients. Posterior foraminotomy was performed 28 times. At follow-up evaluation (6 months to 8 years) results were "excellent good" in 46% of cases, "fair" in 34%, "unchanged" in 9%, and "worse" in 11%. First symptoms appeared more than 2 years before surgical treatment in 22 patients, between 2 years and 6 months in 15, and less than 6 months before in 7 patients. In this study a statistically significant inverse relation is demonstrated between: 1. results and duration of the disease, 2. results and gravity of motor deficits.