BACKGROUND:Currently, modified laminoplasty with C7 spinous process and muscle attachment points reserved and C2, C7 decompressive laminectomy can reconcile both ful decompression and structure stability. With early isometric neck muscle exercise, it can enhance cervical dynamic and static force balance and maintain the stability of the cervical spine.
OBJECTIVE:To investigate the clinical effects of modified cervical laminoplasty with postoperative isometric neck muscle exercise on cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients.
METHODS:114 patients with cervical myelopathy were separately performed traditional cervical laminoplasty (control group), modified cervical laminoplasty (modified group), modified cervical laminoplasty, and neck muscle isometric exercise (combined group). Fol ow-up was conducted for 24 months.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) Cervical Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, cervical Neck Disabilitv Index scores and the incidence of axial symptoms:There was no significant difference in the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score of three groups at 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. At 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, Neck Disability Index scores and constituent ratio of axial symptoms were better in the modified group than the other groups (P<0.05). (2) Results show that modified cervical laminoplasty with isometric neck muscle exercise can get better clinical results in the treatment of cervical myelopathy.