Combined cervical laminoplasty and foraminotomy for coexistence of cervical myelopathy and unilateral radiculopathy: case series and preliminary results

BackgroundThe clinical outcomes and radiographic changes of a one-stage procedure combining cervical laminoplasty and unilateral cervical foraminotomy for patients with coexisting cervical myelopathy and unilateral radiculopathy were evaluated.MethodsSeven patients (two females and five males) with coexisting cervical myelopathy and unilateral cervical radiculopathy were included in this study. The mean age was 58.4 years (range 45-77 years). Cervical laminoplasty and unilateral cervical foraminotomy were performed on the recruited patients in a single stage. The quantitative clinical changes between the preoperative and 6-month postoperative assessment were analyzed using the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, the JOA Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOA-CMEQ), visual analog scale (VAS), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Moreover, the preoperative and 6-month postoperative radiographic changes were assessed using the C2-7 angle and range of motion (ROM) between flexion and extension angle.ResultsThere were significant differences in QOL in the JOA-CMEQ between the groups. Furthermore, the postoperative VAS values in the arms and hands generally improved, although not significantly, between the groups.ConclusionsThe aforementioned surgical procedure may be safe and efficient for patients with coexisting cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy.