Comparison Of Therapeutic Efficacy Between Posterior Longitudinal Ligament Resection And Reserve In Anterior Cervical Decompression

Objective:To compare the effects between posterior longitudinal ligament(PLL)resection and reserve in anterior cervical decompression .Methods:We reviewed the clinical data of 80 cases which had been carried out anterior cervical decompression and internal plate fixation in the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy(PLL resection group 39 cases and PLL reserve group 41 cases). The Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scoring system was used for evaluation of clinical outcomes. Sagittal diameters of spinal cord on MRI in 2 groups were compared.Results:All the 80 cases were followed up from 6 months to 65 months,the mean follow up were 28 months. The spinal cord neurological function recovery rate of PLL resection groups were 76%±21%. It was better than posterior longitudinal ligament reserve group 62%±24%(P<0.05). The increment of sagittal diameter of spinal cord was (3.26±1.05) mm in PLL resection group and (2.32±1. 23) mm in PLL reserve group (P<0.01).Conclusion : The decompression effect is more completely after resection of hypertrophic PLL during anterior cervical decompression and it can obtain better clinical effect in the treatment of CSM.