Cervical laminoplasty using apatite beads as implants. Experiences in 31 patients with compressive myelopathy due to developmental canal stenosis.

Cervical laminoplasty was performed in 31 patients with compressive myelopathy due to developmental stenosis of the spinal canal, using apatite beads as implants. Bilateral foraminotomies were performed at C-5-C-8 levels in an attempt at preventing aggravation of radicular symptoms. Laminae of C-3 through C-7 (or T-1) were removed en bloc and then replaced maintaining an increased anteroposterior diameter of the bony canal by means of insertion of apatite beads between the cut surfaces of the laminae. The literature on posterior decompression for cervical canal stenosis is reviewed, and the advantage of the present method is briefly discussed.