Combined corpectomy in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy and ossified posterior longitudinal ligament

Objective To evaluate effect of combined corpeetomy for multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) and ossified posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL).Methods Fifteen patients with CSM or OPLL,including 9 males and 6 females,were treated with combined corpectomy which is characterized by C4 and C6 corpectomy,excision of osteophyma,protruded disc and/or ossified posterior longitudinal ligament on basis of preservation of C5 vertebral body,structural bone grafting in C3-5 and C5-7,and anterior cervical plate fixation at C3,C5,and C7.The clinical results were evaluated with Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score.X-rays and CT scans were taken to evaluate vertebral fusion,and MRI was used to access spinal canal decompression and condition of spinal cord.Results All patients were followed up for 9 to 42 months (average,26.7 months).Bony fusion was achieved in all 15 patients.The JOA score improved from preoperative 13.44±2.81 to postoperative 16.16±2.19 (P=0.0354).The cervical lordosis improved from preoperative 1.16°±11.74° to immediately postoperative 14.36°±7.85° (P=0.00217),and 12.92°+6.17° at the final follow-up (P=0.00292).The complications included temporary hoarseness in 2 cases,dysphagia in 1 case.Conclusion The combined corpectomy for treating CSM and OPLL can obtain reliable and satisfactory results.In operation,the preservation of C5 vertebral body can provide an additional screw anchoring force and strengthen stahility. Key words: Cervical spondylosis; Ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament; Spinal cord compression; Spinal fusion