Patient and surgeon factors associated with postoperative kyphosis after laminoplasty

Expansive cervical laminoplasty began its evolution in the 1970s in Japan for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy secondary to ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament or cervical spondylosis. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the complications associated with the inherent destabilization associated with laminectomy while preserving cervical spine range of motion [1]. It has also been established in the literature that preoperative kyphotic deformity is a risk factor for poor surgical outcome and neurological recovery [2, 3]. We hypothesize that meticulous preservation of the interspinous ligaments may help prevent iatrogenic kyphosis.