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BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Relationship between developmental canal stenosis and surgical results of anterior decompression and fusion in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Authors: Jing Tao Zhang, Lin Feng Wang, Yue Ju Liu, Jun Ming Cao, Jie Li, Shuai Wang, Yong Shen

Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) has long been the preferred treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, few studies have focused on surgical results of CSM in patients with developmental canal stenosis (DCS). The purpose of this study was to investigate DCS as a comorbidity in patients with CSM and the correlation between surgical results and DCS.

Methods

From January 1995 to December 2005, 122 patients treated with ACDF for CSM were enrolled in this retrospective study. Pavlov’s ratio was used to evaluate cervical spinal canal size, with a value of < 0.82 at least one level indicating DCS. Patients were divided into two groups: those with DCS preoperatively (DCS group, n = 50 [41.0 %]) and those without DCS (non-DCS group, n = 72). Clinical data and radiological parameters were compared between groups.

Results

There were no significant differences in preoperative and 2-year follow-up Japanese Orthopedic Association scores between groups. Both groups achieved satisfactory fusion rates (DCS, 92.0 %; non-DCS, 93.0 %). Adjacent-segment degeneration (ASD) was detected in 66.0 % of patients in the DCS group and in 43.0 % of patients in the non-DCS group (p = 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of ASD requiring surgery between groups (p = 0.20).

Discussion

DCS is a common comorbidity in patients with CSM. The findings of this study have added knowledge on the correlation between DCS and ASD after anterior fusion surgery.

Conclusions

DCS did not affect neurologic improvement postoperatively at short-term follow-up. Although DCS increased the incidence of ASD after anterior fusion, it did not predict ASD requiring surgery. Therefore, patients with DCS must receive close follow-up.

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Title: Relationship between developmental canal stenosis and surgical results of anterior decompression and fusion in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Jing Tao Zhang
Lin Feng Wang
Yue Ju Liu
Jun Ming Cao
Jie Li
Shuai Wang
Yong Shen
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2474
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-015-0728-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Relationship between developmental canal stenosis and surgical results of anterior decompression and fusion in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusions

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