Modified expansive open-door laminoplasty in cervical myelopathy

The authors modified the technique of open-door cervical laminoplasty with a patency maintenance method that relies only on soft tissue reconstruction. Thirty-five patients who underwent this procedure were evaluated at more than 2 years' follow-up. The expanded open-door lamina and excellent alignment on the lateral view of the cervical spine were well maintained after surgery. Atrophy of the posterior cervical muscles was not seen. Clinical outcomes were rated satisfactory. Nuchal pain seen in the series of patients who underwent the original expansive open-door laminoplasty or a suspension laminotomy from 1983 to 1993 was decreased in the patients with the modified expansive open-door laminoplasty.