Expansive laminoplasty with reattachment of spinous process and extensor musculature for cervical myelopathy

Since 1986 we have performed expansive laminoplasty with reattachment of the spinous processes and extensor musculature in cases of cervical myelopathy, to avoid the late postoperative complications of extensive laminectomy. The operative procedure and results are given in detail. Forty cases (24 men, 16 women) were followed for a mean of 28 months. Postoperative results were satisfactory, with no major complications according to the evaluation criteria of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association. No instability or malalignment was seen on postoperative radiographs.