Canal-expansive laminoplasty for the cervical myelopathy

The results of canal-expansive laminoplasty in 16 cases were discussed. Canal-expansive laminoplasty was performed on 9 OPLL patients and 7 cervical myelopathy patients. This operation produced a 42% increase of the effective diameter of the cervical canal and a 50% increase in the effective cervical area. CT revealed mild reverse of spinal archs which had been reconstructed by the operation in 3 patients. This archs, however, was strengthened gradually. No progress of neurologic symptoms was seen. However, follow-up by CT myelography and others was thought to be necessary. (Ueda, J.)