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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Lateral-PLIF for Lumbar Spinal Arthrodesis: A Detailed Step-By-Step Surgical Technique
Published on: January 23, 2026
Design of Lamifuse: a randomised, multi-centre controlled trial comparing laminectomy without or with dorsal fusion
Ronald Hma Bartels1, André L M Verbeek, J André Grotenhuis
1Department of Neurosurgery, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. r.bartels@nch.umcn.nl
Background:
laminectomy is a valuable surgical treatment for some patients with a cervical radiculomyelopathy due to cervical spinal stenosis. More recently attention has been given to motion of the spinal cord over spondylotic spurs as a cause of myelopathic changes. Immobilisation by fusion could have a positive effect on the recovery of myelopathic signs or changes. This has never been investigated in a prospective, randomised trial. Lamifuse is an acronyme for laminectomy and fusion.
Methods/Design:
Lamifuse is a multicentre, randomised controlled trial comparing laminectomy with and without fusion in patients with a symptomatic cervical canal stenosis. The study population will be enrolled from patients that are 60 years or older with myelopathic signs and/or symptoms due to a cervical canal stenosis. A kyphotis shape of the cervical spine is an exclusion criterium. Each treatment arm needs 30 patients.
Discussion:
This study will contribute to the discussion whether additional fusion after a cervical laminectomy results in a better clinical outcome. ISRCT NUMBER: ISRCTN72800446.
