The long-term results of localised anterior cervical decompression and fusion in spondylotic myelopathy.

A retrospective analysis is presented of 46 patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated by anterior cervical decompression and fusion. In each case the spondylosis was localised and a maximum of two intervertebral levels was fused. Operation had been carried out 7.0 to 14.4 years (mean 10.0 years) previously and the mean age at surgery was 60 years. Disability was such that no patient was able to work prior to operation and only 10 patients (22%) could walk unaided. The functional results, in terms of walking ability, show that 36 patients (78%) have been improved, six (13%) remain unchanged and in 4 patients (9%) the disease has progressed. Twenty nine patients (63%) were able to walk without aid at the time of review. On a subjective basis 30 patients (65%) felt that they had benefitted from surgery.