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Journal of Orthopaedic Science

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Open Access 01-09-2011 | Original Article

Preserving the C7 spinous process in laminectomy combined with lateral mass screw to prevent axial symptom

Authors: Peng Zhang, Yong Shen, Ying-Ze Zhang, Wen-Yuan Ding, Jia-Xin Xu, Jun-Ming Cao

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Science | Issue 5/2011

Abstract

Background

Preserving the C7 spinous process during cervical laminoplasty has been reported to prevent axial symptom. Some patients underwent laminectomy and fixation developed the symptom. The objective of this article was to investigate whether axial symptom can be reduced by preserving the C7 spinous process during cervical laminectomy and fixation with lateral mass screw.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2008, data of 53 patients who underwent laminectomy and lateral mass-screw fixation for multilevel cervical myelopathy were reviewed. Analysis consisted of the incidence of axial symptom, Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, recovery rate, cervical lordotic angle, and atrophy rate of cervical posterior muscle. Axial symptom severity was quantified by a visual analog scale (VAS). Twenty-five patients were decompressed from C3 to C7 (group A) and 28 from C3 to C6 with dome-shape removal of the C7 superior lamina (group B) .

Results

Analysis of final follow-up data showed improvement in clinical outcome for both groups. No difference in recovery rate, cervical lordotic angle and atrophy rate was observed between groups. Postoperative axial-neck pain was significantly rarer in group B than in group A. Axial symptom severity was correlated with cervical posterior muscle atrophy rate; correlation coefficient was 0.665.

Conclusion

The C7 spinous process might play an important role in preventing axial symptom, but there is a need for randomized, control studies with long-term follow-up to clarify the results.

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Title: Preserving the C7 spinous process in laminectomy combined with lateral mass screw to prevent axial symptom
Authors: Peng Zhang
Yong Shen
Ying-Ze Zhang
Wen-Yuan Ding
Jia-Xin Xu
Jun-Ming Cao
Publication date: 01-09-2011
Publisher: Springer Japan
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Science / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0949-2658
Electronic ISSN: 1436-2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00776-011-0115-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Preserving the C7 spinous process in laminectomy combined with lateral mass screw to prevent axial symptom

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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