Extensive anterior decompression for mixed cervical spondylosis. Resection of uncovertebral joints, neural and transverse foraminotomy, subtotal corpectomy, and fusion with strut graft.
METHODS
This study examined a new operative procedure for treating mixed cervical spondylosis.


OBJECTIVE
To relate postoperative results with extensive decompression using a surgical microscope.


BACKGROUND
Based on the dissection cadavers and clinical practice, extensive anterior decompression has been designed for mixed cervical spondylosis. It has not been reported that the cervical cord, nerve roots, and vertebral arteries have been decompressed thoroughly at the same time.


METHODS
Fifteen patients with mixed cervical spondylosis were treated with extensive anterior decompression using an operative microscope. The pathologic segments in all patients were identified preoperatively with cervical radiography, myelography, computed tomography, computed tomographic myelography, and magnetic resonance imaging. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association classification was used to assess the follow-up results. The operative results demonstrated the efficacy of the surgical approach.


RESULTS
All patients improved neurologically, with the average Japanese Orthopaedic Association score improving from 6.3 points preoperatively to 12.4 points at follow-up examination. The plain radiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging follow-up examination showed that the anterior part of the cervical canal and the transversaria or neural foramina were enlarged, and that there was satisfactory bony fusion without signs of nonunion and other complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Extensive anterior decompression (resection of uncovertebral joints, neural and transverse foraminotomy, subtotal corpectomy, and fusion with strut graft), a new surgical procedure for treating mixed cervical spondylosis, led to excellent follow-up results.
Ou
Y
Y
Department of Orthopaedics, First Affiliated Hospital, Xin Jiang Medical College, Urumqi, Peoples' Republic of China.
Lu
J
J
Mi
J
J
Cheng-li
Zhang
J
J
Li
Y
Y
Sheng
N
N
D000328:Adult; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009192:Myelography; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*