Combined expansive Laminoplasty and Foraminotomy for Cervical Myeloradiculopathy, a Prospective Study

S cervical laminoplasty was developed in Japan in the 1970s for the treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament and degenerative spinal canal stenosis; it remained a good alternate to laminectomy. By leaving the dorsal structures in situ, laminoplasty avoids the problems associated with laminectomy such as kyphosis, instability, and delayed neurologic problems due to scar invasion; it also allows earlier mobilization and rehabilitation compared to other anterior surgical options. In addition, laminoplasty can avoid graft-related complications such as graft extrusion, settling, collapse, dislodgement, and fracture (10). The financial costs associated with laminoplasty are potentially minimized, as well, without the need for lateral mass screws and rods used during fusion (6).