title: Multilevel oblique corpectomy without fusion: our experience in 48 patients.
abstract: METHODS
  The authors provide their results in performing multilevel oblique corpectomy for degenerative spondylotic myelopathy in 48 patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the multilevel oblique corpectomy when applied in selected cases.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The technique of multilevel oblique corporectomies for treatment of cervical spondylogenetic myeloradiculopathies allows anterolateral access to the cervical spine so that the spinal canal and conjugate foramen can be widened at more than one level, without the need for vertebral stabilization.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a 7-year period, multilevel oblique corpectomy was performed in 48 consecutive patients for degenerative spondylotic myelopathy. The outcomes were analyzed according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association classification modified to Western customs, and according to Nurick's scale 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. Spinal stability was evaluated in all patients by plain radiograph films of the cervical spine, lateral views in flexion and extension, on discharge, 1 month and 1 year after operation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant clinical improvement occurred in 29 patients with a complete functional recovery in 22; moderate improvement was achieved in 12 patients; neurological status remained stable in 5, and it worsened in 2. All patients showed spinal stability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Multilevel oblique corpectomy was found to be a safe technique that guarantees good results in terms of both regression of clinical symptoms and long-term spinal stability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurological Sciences, Neurosurgery, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rocchi
authors.forename: Emanuela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Caroli
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salvati
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Delfini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009420:Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013128:Spinal Osteophytosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome