Related Experiment Videos
Axial neck pain after cervical laminoplasty
Chul Bum Cho1, Chung Kee Chough, Jong Yang Oh
1Catholic Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurosurgery, St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
|March 13, 2010
Summary
Preserving the C7 spinous process during cervical laminoplasty significantly reduces axial neck pain. This surgical technique offers a safer approach for patients undergoing treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Spinal Surgery
Background:
- Cervical laminoplasty is a recognized treatment for multi-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.
- Post-operative axial neck pain is a common complication following cervical laminoplasty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical significance of the C7 spinous process in relation to axial neck pain after cervical laminoplasty.
- To compare outcomes between C7 spinous process preserving and sacrificing techniques.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 31 patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty.
- Comparison of axial neck pain and lordotic angle between a C7 spinous process preserving group (n=16) and a C7 spinous process sacrificing group (n=15).
Main Results:
- The C7 spinous process preserving group reported significantly less severe/moderate late axial pain (12.5% vs 73.3%) and less aggravation of late axial neck pain (12% vs 66%).
- While early postoperative axial pain was less in the preserving group, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.073).
- Late axial neck pain aggravation was significantly less common in the C7 spinous process preserving group (p=0.002).
Conclusions:
- Cervical laminoplasty that preserves the C7 spinous process is associated with a decreased incidence of aggravated axial neck pain.
- This technique may improve patient outcomes by mitigating post-operative neck pain.