Objective: To explore the outcomes of longitudinal spinous splitting laminoplasty with coral bone (abbreviated as SLAC) for cervical stenosis.
Methods: A total of 142 patients underwent conventional SLAC while 147 other patients modified SLAC. Assessments were made at pre-operation, post-operation and 3-month follow-up to examine the effects of two surgical approaches on the recovery rate of JOA (Japanese Orthopedic Association) score. The change of cervical alignment, change of cervical motions, axial syndrome, operative duration and intra-operative blood loss were recorded and analyzed with SPSS 13.0.
Results: No significant difference existed between two groups in the recovery rate of JOA score and intra-operative blood loss. The smaller change of cervical alignment and change of cervical motions were found in the modified SLAC group. The modified SLAC group had fewer patients with axial syndrome during the follow-up period. The operative duration was shorter in the modified SLAC group.
Conclusion: Preventing muscle injuries in cervical laminoplasty can reduce the incidence of complications. The modified SLAC approach may protect cervical posterior extensor musculature, maintain the cervical lordotic alignment and reduce the incidence of post-operative axial syndrome.