Anterior Cervical Microforaminotomy : A Minimally Invasive Anterolateral Approach for Spondylotic Lesions

전방 경추 미세 추간공 확대술 : 경추증에 대한 최소침습적 전측방 접근법

Objective : Various surgical approaches have been implemented to fulfill the ideal goals of treatment for cervical spondylotic lesions. Conventional approaches are represented by anterior approach with or without fusion and posterior approach. The authors has applied newly developed anterior cervical microforaminotomy for these lesions on minimally invasive basis. Materials and Method : Twenty-one patients, with cervical HIVD, or stenosis, or both, underwent anterior cervical microforaminotomy between March, 1998 and April, 1999. Fifteen patients underwent unilateral decompression, and 6 bilateral decompression via unilateral foraminotomy. Operation of one level was performed in 16 patients, 2 levels in 4 patients, and 3 in 1 patient. The foraminotomy was accomplished by resecting the uncovertebral joint. Through this hole, compressed nerve root was decompressed by removing the spondylotic spur or disc fragment, and diagonal removing of posterior osteophyte from foraminotomy site to begining of contralateral nerve root made spinal cord decompression. Results : The outcome was excellent in 17 patients(81%) and good in 4 patients(19%) based on Odom's criteria. No complication was encounterd, and average post-operation hospital stay was 3.7 days. Conclusions : These results indicate that anterior cervical microforaminotomy provide adequate neural decompression, minimum postoperative discomfort and fast recovery.