Cervical spine surgery: cervical laminaplasty

Multilevel cervical spondylosis resulting in myelopathy is a complex condition to treat surgically. Several anterior and posterior procedures have been described. Cervical laminaplasty is a procedure that provides multilevel posterior cord decompression while attempting to eliminate the postoperative development of instability and kyphosis by retaining the posterior elements. Because laminaplasty does not involve arthrodesis, more postoperative motion is preserved and early range of motion is encouraged to avoid stiffness. Although laminaplasty is a relatively straightforward procedure, understanding several key points can help avoid common technical challenges and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. A variety of fixation techniques, each with advantages and limitations, are available to keep the laminaplasty door open. The surgeon should be aware of the complications associated with cervical laminaplasty.