Minimally Invasive Tubular Posterior Cervical Laminectomy in Medically Complex Patients: A Case Series With Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Spinal Surgery

Background:

• Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is increasingly preferred for cervical decompression.
• Tubular posterior cervical laminectomy is a promising MIS option for patients with significant medical comorbidities.
• Radiographic outcomes of this MIS technique require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of minimally invasive (MIS) tubular posterior cervical laminectomy.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this approach in medically complex patients undergoing cervical decompression.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of patients undergoing MIS tubular cervical laminectomy for bilateral decompression by a single surgeon.
• Collection of demographic, clinical, and radiographic outcomes.
• Analysis of pre- and post-operative radiographic measurements and functional scores.

Main Results:

• Eighteen medically complex patients (mean age 76 years) with cervical stenosis underwent the procedure.
• Significant improvements observed in anterior-posterior central canal distance (4.9 mm) and axial cross-sectional area (71.9 mm²).
• Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores improved from 10.8 to 12.3; no perioperative complications or reoperations reported.

Conclusions:

• Minimally invasive (MIS) tubular cervical laminectomy demonstrates successful clinical and radiographic outcomes.
• This technique is a viable and potentially safer alternative to open surgery for cervical decompression, particularly in high-risk patients.
• The study supports considering MIS tubular cervical laminectomy for medically complex individuals with cervical stenosis.