Multilevel oblique corpectomy without fusion: our experience in 48 patients.
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.
Rocchi
Giovanni
G
Department of Neurological Sciences, Neurosurgery, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Caroli
Emanuela
E
Salvati
Maurizio
M
Delfini
Roberto
R
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