Clinical indicators of surgical outcomes after cervical single open-door laminoplasty assessed by the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

The old-version JOA score for cervical myelopathy (CM) is an evaluation system performed by medical providers that focuses only on neurological function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcomes using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ), and to clarify clinical factors that affect the therapeutic effectiveness for CM.

SETTING

Single institute in Japan.

METHODS

We reviewed surgical outcomes for 126 CM patients who were treated by single open-door laminoplasty and were followed at least 2 years. We assessed clinical information, JOACMEQ, JOA scores, and radiographic parameters. Patients were grouped according to effective or ineffective surgical outcomes as defined by the JOACMEQ using logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Laminoplasty resulted in functional improvement in the cervical spine and extremities for 40-50% of the patients, while bladder function showed only minimal recovery. Multivariable analyses revealed that a significant postoperative reduction in neck or shoulder pain influenced the effective functional recovery of the cervical spine. A reduction in arm or hand pain favorably affected the postoperative upper extremity function. Lower age and a postoperative decrease in limb pain were correlated with significantly improved function of the lower extremities. A postoperative reduction in arm pain enhanced the QOL recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

The JOACMEQ makes it possible to analyze multiple aspects of surgical outcomes for patients who undergo cervical spine surgery. Open-door laminoplasty did not provide favorable results for some patients, which highlights the importance of assessing the indications for this procedure and managing postoperative pain.