[Extended spinal decompression using an anterior approach in the treatment of myelopathies caused by cervical...

Forty-five patients suffering from severe myelopathy due to cervical spondylosis with stenosis of the spinal canal were treated by anterior decompression extending over three levels or more. In eight instances, the decompression was the only surgical procedure: in 37 instances, there was associated bone graft. No severe complications were noted. The clinical results were assessed, using the Nurick scale. The average follow-up was four years. No patient was made worse. Twelve were completely relieved, 21 were improved and 12 were unchanged. The authors conclude that this technique is worthwhile. Grafting should be done only in cases where there is post-operative instability. After a review of the literature, the authors conclude that anterior resection of the vertebral bodies is more reliable than extensive laminectomy.