Neck Pain following Laminoplasty.

Overview

abstract

Study DesignRetrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data. ObjectiveTo compare preoperative and postoperative neck pain following laminoplasty using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). MethodsSeventy-two patients undergoing laminoplasty from 2006 to 2009 at a single institution were identified. Thirty-four patients with a minimum 1-year follow-up who completed preoperative, 6-week, and 1-year postoperative NDI questionnaires were enrolled. Demographic data and surgical data including estimated blood loss (EBL), length of surgery, number of laminoplasty levels, complications, and length of hospitalization were collected. ResultsMean age was 62 years (range: 34 to 88), mean follow-up was 17 months (range: 12 to 31), and there were 21 men and 13 women. Diagnoses were cervical spondylotic myelopathy (n = 26), ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (n = 6), and central cord syndrome (n = 2). Mean EBL was 120 mL (range: 50 to 200), and mean surgical time was 152 minutes (range: 70 to 240). Average number of laminoplasty levels was 3 (range: 1 to 5). The open door technique was used, and 24/34 (71%) did not have laminoplasty at C3 and C7. No intraoperative complications were noted, and average hospital stay was 1.6 days (range: 1 to 7). Significant improvement in NDI total score was noted at 1 year (p < 0.002) and in NDI pain score at 6 weeks (p < 0.028) and 1 year (p < 0.007) postoperatively. ConclusionsPatients having laminoplasty experienced significant improvement in NDI pain subscore and NDI total scores at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively.