Abstract:

Objective　To investigate the advantage and disadvantage of using micro-titanium fixation in unilateral single-door laminoplasty (USDL), and compare its efficacy to traditional surgical approach.　Methods　From January 2005 to November 2009, there were 205 patients received traditional USDL in our hospital. Among those, 53 patients completed follow-up and are included in the comparison study (group A). From December 2009 to June 2012, 77 patients underwent USDL with micro-titanium fixation, and 65 cases completed follow-up (group B). The patients were evaluated by the changes of JOA score and the severity of neck axial pain before and after surgery. The operation duration and blood lost were recorded. The postoperative rate of hinge union, cervical lordosis and cervical range of motion were compared between patients undergoing different surgical approach.　Results　The preoperative JOA score had no statistical significance between the two treatment groups. There was also no statistical significance of the postoperative JOA score and the improvement rate of JOA scoring between the two groups. However, the patients received USDL with micro-titanuim fixation had better outcomes in the operation duration, amount of blood lost, rate of hinge union, axial pain, cervical lordosis, and cervical physical range and range of motion.　Conclusion　The application of micro-titanium plate fixation in the USDL could improve the rate of hinge union and achieve better cervical range of motion. The technique might provide benefit to patients and enable their early postoperative rehabilitation.

Key words: Cervical spine, USDL, Micro-titanium plate