Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is often encountered in daily practice. In this randomized controlled trial, laminectomy without fusion is compared with laminectomy followed by fusion. METHODS: Patients with clinical signs and symptoms of CSM were included. At regular follow-up moments a Modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) Score, a Short Form (36) (SF-36) and upright cervical radiographs to measure the angle between C2 and C7, were obtained. RESULTS: Nine patients were included in each group (total 18 patients). At the last follow-up, a difference in mJOA or SF-36 could not be established. However, it was clearly shown that a more successful outcome, as measured by mJOA and SF-36, was obtained in patients who had fewer complaints preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A difference in clinical outcome or quality of life between the groups did not exist. It was clearly shown that the outcome of the patients was strongly dependent on the preoperative clinical situation.
