Laminoplasty using Twinfix suture anchors to maintain cervical canal expansion

Open-door laminoplasty is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of multiple level cervical spinal stenosis. One complication of this procedure is closure of the hinge and subsequent restenosis. Twinfix suture anchor was used in laminoplasty to stabilize cervical canal expansion. 53 patients with multiple level cervical spinal stenosis underwent laminoplasty. A unilateral open-door technique was performed for the lesion level and the elevated lamina was fixed to the lateral mass using Twinfix suture anchors. Radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography (CT) scanning were used for imaging studies. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score was adopted to compare clinical outcome before and after surgery. None of 53 patients who had the door secured with Twinfix suture anchors had closure of the hinge. Additionally, the suture anchors maintained their position without loosening or "pull-outs" on postoperative follow-up radiographs. The Japanese Orthopedic Association score increased significantly from 8.5 ± 3.2 before surgery to 14.2 ± 1.36 at final follow-up. Postoperative radiography and CT scan demonstrated significantly increased anteroposterior diameter of the spinal canal. There were four short-term complications: two were small dural-tears which were repaired intraoperatively without further sequelae, and the other 2 were both epidural hematomas that required emergent return to the operating room for evacuation. There were no Twinfix suture anchor-related complications. This Twinfix suture anchor can provide a firm and secure anchor for elevated open laminae in laminoplasty.