Correlation of posterior cervical decompression with spinal cord shifting backward distance and axial symptoms

Wang Hao; Wang Pei

doi:10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2014.13.012

Abstract：BACKGROUND:The distance of spinal cord shifting backward after treatment through cervical posterior approach is affected by various factors. In fact, it is a morphological change after spinal cord is affected by external force. <br> OBJECTIVE:To analyze the influential factors for spinal cord shifting backward after posterior cervical decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy. <br> METHODS:Case data of 70 patients with multi-segmental cervical spondylotic myelopathy undergoing posterior cervical decompression were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different distances of spinal cord shifting backward after treatment, they were divided into three groups:<3 mm group, 3-5 mm group, and>5 mm group. In accordance with Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores, the degree of cervical curvature and axial symptom index were compared. <br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:No significant difference in the recovery rate of Japanese Orthopaedic Association Scores was detected among the three groups. No significant difference in cervical curvature was visible among the three groups before and after treatment. The proportion of axial symptom was significantly higher in the patients of>5 mm group than the other two groups after treatment (P<0.05). These results suggested that the distance of spinal cord shifting backward was associated with axial symptom after treatment in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy after posterior cervical decompression.