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Cervical myelopathy in the Japanese
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|February 1, 1996
Summary
This study reviewed 1155 cervical myelopathy surgeries, finding the highest surgery rate in the elderly. Anterior decompression offered better functional outcomes for younger patients with limited compression.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Spinal Surgery
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Cervical myelopathy affects numerous individuals, necessitating surgical intervention.
- Understanding surgical rates and patient demographics is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze surgical trends for cervical myelopathy in a specific region.
- To evaluate patient characteristics, surgical approaches, and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1155 cervical myelopathy surgeries.
- Analysis of patient demographics, preoperative disease duration, disability severity, and surgical techniques.
- Assessment of common etiological factors including stenosis, disc herniation, and ossification.
Main Results:
- Annual surgery rate was 5.7 per 100,000 residents, peaking in the 8th decade of life.
- 41% had >1 year preoperative disease, 65% had severe disabilities.
- Anterior decompression showed better functional improvement in younger patients with 1-2 level compression. Laminoplasty was the preferred procedure (93%).
Conclusions:
- Cervical myelopathy surgery is most common in older adults, with a significant delay between symptom onset and surgery.
- Surgical approach selection impacts functional recovery, with anterior decompression favoring younger patients.
- Multiple spinal pathologies frequently coexist, highlighting the complexity of cervical myelopathy.