OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effects of French door segmented laminectomy decompression for severe cervical OPLL complicated with spinal cord injury.

METHODSThe clinical data of 38 patients with serious cervical OPLL complicated with spinal cord injury were retrospectively analyzed and these patients were treated with French door segmented laminectomy decompression and internal fixation from June 2012 to June 2014. There were 25 males and 13 females, aged from 42 to 78 years with an average of 58.2 years. Of them, 35 cases suffered from aggravating neurological symptoms with a definite precipitating factor. Spinal cord injury was related to minor injury of the neck, such as hyperextension of the neck in 3 cases. Preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Score (JOA) was 8.1±1.7 and Neck Disability Index (NDI) was 19.8±4.4. Preoperative CT scans showed the range of OPLL was more than three segments. The spinal canal was occupied 50% to 85% with an average of 70.7%.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 10 to 24 months with an average of 15.6 months. The operative time was 90 to 150 min with an average of 120 min and blood loss was 300 to 800 ml with an average of (480±80) ml. At final follow-up, NDI and JOA were 7.5±2.5 and 13.5±2.0, respectively, and they were obviously improved compared with preoperation. Preoperative cervical Cobb angle was (8.10±2.70)° and at final follow-up was (15.60±1.80)°, and there was significant difference between preoperative and postoperative (<0.05). Deep infection occurred in 1 case, epidural hematoma in 1 case, C₅ nerve root palsy in 3 cases, and axial symptom in 8 cases after operation. No serious complications, such as vertebral artery injury, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, deterioration of neurological dysfunction, or internal fixation failure was found.

CONCLUSIONSFrench door segmented laminectomy decompression is safe and feasible for severe cervical OPLL complicated with spinal cord injury, and it is worth to be popularized in future.