[Cervical spinal cord injury treated by expanded hemilaminectomy]

To treat cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) accompanied with narrowing spinal canal by expanded hemilaminectomy.

From 1995 January to 1998 April 51 patients of cervical SCI were treated by expanded hemilaminectomy. Spinal injury classified in to 3 types: no fracture-dislocation (39 patients) fracture dislocation at the lower cervical spine (11), and burst fracture (1). The types of SCI included central cord injury (18 patients) incomplete cord injury (19), and complete cord injury (14). MR imaging in 23 patients showed degenerative changes with normal intensity of the cord in 14 patients, multiple level hyperintensity in 3, cystic changes in 3, myelomalasia in 3, and cord brocken in 1. Expanded hemilaminectomy was performed in 24 hours in 3 patients, in 48 hours in 9, in one week in 2, after one week in 35, and after one year in 2. The left or right laminae were removed from C(7) to C(3) in 42 patients, C(3) - T(1) in 3, C(2) - C(7) in 2, C(3) - C(6) in 3 and C(4) - C(7) in 3. Hemilaminectomy was expanded lateral to the inner of apophyseal joint and medial to the inner lamina beneath the spinal process.

Follow-up lasted for 1 year and 7 months. Six patients with complete cord injury had of the no recovery lower extremity but recovery of the brachialis and extensor radial longus. 12 patients of central cord injury had full recovery except intrinsic muscles of the hand (5). They operated were on 2 weeks after injury. 17 patients of incomplete cord injury recovered to Frankel IV.

Expanded hemilaminectomy is indicated for patients of cervical SCI with narrowing spinal canal or without fracture dislocation. Best results can be obtained in patients of central cord injury, and incomplete cord injury. Even in complete cord injury, 1 - 2 forearm muscle may recover (24.8%), securing a pinch grip reconstruction.