ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Journal of Neurosurgical Sciences 2019 February;63(1):30-5

DOI: 10.23736/S0390-5616.16.03774-7

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Reappraisal of the posterior approach for cervical decompressive herniectomy

Susanna BACIGALUPPI ^{1, 2} ✉, Nicola L. BRAGAZZI ³, Samis ZELLA ¹, Francesco PRADA ¹, Mario L. ZAVANONE ¹, Paolo RAMPINI ¹

¹ Neurosurgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; ² Department of Neurosurgery, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy; ³ Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), School of Public Health, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy

BACKGROUND: Does posterior cervical herniectomy impact on symptoms related to cervical paramedian/lateral soft disc herniation?
METHODS: In a patient series over 15 years operated for single level paramedian/lateral soft disc herniation with posterior cervical approach, perceived radicular and cervical pre- and postoperative symptoms were reconstructed and analyzed.
RESULTS: Out of 105 patients with these characteristics 75 could be recruited for long-term follow-up. Preoperative symptoms included: radicular motor deficit (81.3%); radicular pain (93.3%); radicular sensory deficit (84%); cervical pain (80%) and disturbance of cervical motility (49.3%). Postoperatively radicular motor score improved in all patients (score 5 in 92% and 4 in 8%); sensory disturbance improved in all and radicular pain disappeared in 90% and improved in the others. Cervical pain disappeared in 78% and improved in other 22%, two had new onset moderate cervical pain.
CONCLUSIONS: This series confirms safety and efficacy of the posterior approach in relieving motor and sensory symptoms in patients with symptomatic single level, lateral soft disc herniation.

KEY WORDS: Hernia - Pain - Surgical procedures, operative