Laminoplasty with miniplates for posterior approach in thoracic and lumbar intraspinal surgery.

OBJECTIVE A prospective clinical follow-up study of patients who underwent thoracolumbar intraspinal surgery with replacement of the posterior spinal arch and supporting elements is reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS The surgical procedures of 45 patients who underwent intraspinal surgery with osteotomy and replacement of 122 spinal laminae using an air drill and mini-plates with repair of the supraspinous ligaments were analyzed. Data of a complete clinical and radiological follow-up examination were evaluated in 45 patients. Plain radiographs and computed tomography scans were analyzed for bony healing of the laminae and spinal alignment. RESULTS No complications due to the technique were observed. None of the patients had kyphosis and/or instability on static or dynamic plain x-ray films. There was no scar tissue invasion in the spinal canal based on MRI findings. CONCLUSIONS No patient required additional surgery because of progressive spinal instability. This technique is safe and well-suited to serve as a standard posterior approach to intraspinal pathologies and offers distinct advantages over laminectomy and repeat surgery.