Letter to the editor regarding: risk factors for axial symptoms following laminoplasty for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Excerpt

We are writing to bring attention to an important study that sheds light on the risk factors associated with the development of axial symptoms (AS) after laminoplasty, a commonly used surgical procedure for treating cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). The study, titled "Risk Factors for Axial Symptoms Following Laminoplasty for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy [1]," provides valuable insights into the factors that contribute to the occurrence of AS and highlights potential preventive measures. The authors conducted a retrospective study involving 264 patients who underwent laminoplasty for CSM between January 2018 and January 2022. The patients were evaluated based on the occurrence of postoperative axial symptoms and were divided into two groups: an AS group and a non-AS group. Various factors, including demographic information, surgical-related data, and imaging data, were analyzed to identify the risk factors and potential protective factors associated with AS. The study revealed several significant findings. High preoperative anterior spinal canal occupation rate, intraoperative facet joint destruction, C7 spinous process muscle stop point damage, larger angle of laminar opening, and greater postoperative cervical curvature loss and cervical range of motion loss were identified as independent risk factors for the development of AS. On the other hand, a larger preoperative cervical curvature and early postoperative functional exercises were shown to be protective factors against AS. …