Anterolateral uncoforaminotomy for cervical spondylotic myeloradiculopathy

Thirty-five patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and myeloradiculopathy had anterolateral uncoforaminotomy. Spondylotic spurs associated with radiculopathy were continuous from the uncovertebral joint to the posterior ridge of the vertebral body in 33 patients and to the posteriorly bulging disc with posterolateral bony spurs in 2 patients. Anterolateral uncoforaminotomy was found safe to remove the continuous type of spur, resulting in decompression of the cord-root complex, which shifted anteriorly after surgery. The outcome was satisfactory in 19 of 20 radiculopathy patients, and in all 15 myeloradiculopathy patients. Decompression of the cord-root complex is the most important factor in relieving neurologic manifestations of cervical spondylosis.