[Experiences with Kahn's method of dentatotomy].

Between 1980 and 1990, 37 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy and syringomyelia underwent posterior decompression by laminectomy and dentatotomy. The preoperative symptoms are compared with the postoperative status. Spasticity and pyramidal signs were reduced. In our opinion, Kahn's indication for dentatotomy as described in 1946 is obsolete today. However, we believe that after extensive decompressive laminectomy an additional mobilising effect is recommendable, so that Kahn's operation is still of relevance as an additional procedure in the treatment of this condition.