title: [Extended spinal decompression using an anterior approach in the treatment of myelopathies caused by cervical arthrosis].
abstract: Forty-five patients suffering from severe myelopathy due to cervical spondylosis with stenosis of the spinal canal were treated by anterior decompression extending over three levels or more. In eight instances, the decompression was the only surgical procedure: in 37 instances, there was associated bone graft. No severe complications were noted. The clinical results were assessed, using the Nurick scale. The average follow-up was four years. No patient was made worse. Twelve were completely relieved, 21 were improved and 12 were unchanged. The authors conclude that this technique is worthwhile. Grafting should be done only in cases where there is post-operative instability. After a review of the literature, the authors conclude that anterior resection of the vertebral bodies is more reliable than extensive laminectomy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011859:Radiography; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
vernacular_title: Décompression médullaire étendue par voie antérieure dans le traitement des myélopathies par cervicarthrose.