Minim Invasive Neurosurg 2008; 51(5): 258-262
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082320
Original Article

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Anterior Cervical Microforaminotomy for Cervical Radiculopathy – Results and Review

C. Balasubramanian 1 , R. Price 2 , H. Brydon 2
  • 1Neurosurgery Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
  • 2Department of Neurosurgery, North Staffordshire University Hospitals, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 October 2008 (online)

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Abstract

Analysis of anterior cervical microforaminotomy performed at the North Staffordshire University Hospital along with a review of literature of this minimally invasive procedure is presented.

Methods: A retrospective – prospective study was performed on 34 patients (24 males, 10 females) with cervical disc disease who had been surgically treated with anterior cervical microforaminotomy between 1999 and 2005. Age ranged from 37 to 75. MRI findings were disc prolapse in 28 and additional osteophytes in six. Microforaminotomy was performed according to the published technique.

Results: Single level operations were performed in 22 patients (21 unilateral, 1 bilateral) and multi-level operations were performed in 12 patients (7 unilateral and 5 bilateral). The short-term outcomes were excellent in 65 % (i.e., complete resolution of all symptoms), good in 29 % (relief of radiculopathy but some non-radicular discomfort persists), and fair in 6 % (mild residual radiculopathy with or without non-radicular symptoms). Postoperative complications include one patient with partial C6 root damage, which was identified intraoperatively, but had excellent results at 2 months post operation. Long-term follow-up (using the cervical spine research society questionnaire) ranged from 2–48 months. The average pain score, neurological outcome and functional outcome improved after this operation.

Re-operation: One patient, who had 2 level bilateral surgeries, needed discectomies with fusion for new onset myelopathy 18 months later.

Conclusion: Appropriate patient selection is cardinal in achieving good outcome in anterior microforaminotomy.