Long-term results of double-door laminoplasty using hydroxyapatite spacers in patients with compressive cervical myelopathy

Eur Spine J. 2011 Sep;20(9):1560-6. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1724-7. Epub 2011 Feb 19.

Abstract

No previous studies have reported 10-year follow-up results for double-door laminoplasty using hydroxyapatite (HA) spacers. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the long-term results of double-door laminoplasty using HA spacers and to determine if non-union or breakage of HA spacers is related to restenosis of the enlarged cervical canal. The study group consisted of 68 patients with a minimum of 10 years of follow-up after double-door laminoplasty using HA spacers. The average postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association score improved significantly after surgery and was maintained until the final follow-up. The average range of motion decreased by 42.6% in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and 65.8% in patients with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). The enlarged cervical canal area was preserved almost until the final follow-up. The average non-union rates of HA spacers were 21% in CSM and 17% in OPLL, and the average breakage rates were 24 in CSM and 21% in OPLL at the final follow-up. Although non-union and breakage of HA spacers were common, neither of these factors were correlated with restenosis of the enlarged cervical canal.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Durapatite
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Laminectomy / methods*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Spinal Cord Compression / surgery*
  • Spinal Stenosis / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Durapatite