title: Reappraisal of the posterior approach for cervical decompressive herniectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Does posterior cervical herniectomy impact on symptoms related to cervical paramedian/lateral soft disc herniation?
  
  
  METHODS
  In a patient series over 15 years operated for single level paramedian/lateral soft disc herniation with posterior cervical approach, perceived radicular and cervical pre- and postoperative symptoms were reconstructed and analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 105 patients with these characteristics 75 could be recruited for long-term follow-up. Preoperative symptoms included: radicular motor deficit (81.3%); radicular pain (93.3%); radicular sensory deficit (84%); cervical pain (80%) and disturbance of cervical motility (49.3%). Postoperatively radicular motor score improved in all patients (score 5 in 92% and 4 in 8%); sensory disturbance improved in all and radicular pain disappeared in 90% and improved in the others. Cervical pain disappeared in 78% and improved in other 22%, two had new onset moderate cervical pain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This series confirms safety and efficacy of the posterior approach in relieving motor and sensory symptoms in patients with symptomatic single level, lateral soft disc herniation.
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy - susannabacigaluppi@yahoo.it.|Department of Neurosurgery, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy - susannabacigaluppi@yahoo.it.
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bacigaluppi
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Nicola L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Bragazzi
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Samis
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zella
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Prada
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Zavanone
authors.affiliation: Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rampini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019299:Decompression, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017586:Diskectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*