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Study Examines Cervical Laminoplasty Vs. Decompression And Fusion

About This Blog:

  • A study recently published in Clinical Spine Surgery examined the outcomes of two surgeries: cervical laminoplasty and posterior decompression and fusion for multilevel cervical pathology.
  • While the study set out to analyze which procedure was “best” for patients with cervical spine issues, patients should understand that every case is different and a spine surgeon may have profound reasons for choosing one surgery over another.
  • In this blog, Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine provides notes on the study, and he explains why data like this can do more harm than good for patients.

For spine surgeons who may be reading this, the medical journal Clinical Spine Surgery recently published a study comparing the short-term outcomes of cervical laminoplasty over posterior decompression and fusion for multilevel cervical pathology. In the study, researchers analyzed the results of 779 total patients – 437 underwent cervical decompression and fusion while the remaining 342 underwent cervical laminoplasty.

The study found decompression and fusion patients experienced a 1.2 longer length of stay on average at a hospital compared to laminoplasty patients. Additionally, decompression and fusion patients had a higher rate of adverse events after surgery and they were more likely to be readmitted to a hospital than laminoplasty patients. Finally, researchers from the study reported decompression and fusion patients were more comorbid at baseline that laminoplasty patients.

As our surgical equipment and techniques advance, so do our approaches. While this study highlights the many benefits of a cervical laminoplasty over a posterior decompression and fusion, patients should take this information with a grain of salt. Why? Every patient case is different, and what may work for one person doesn’t always work for another. That’s why it’s important to see a physician you can trust instead of reading studies on the Internet.

Sometimes, it’s not always about the “newest” or “most advanced” treatment option for patients with spinal issues. It’s really about tailoring the surgery to meet the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mark Giovanini of NeuroMicroSpine may recommend a decompression and fusion over other procedures because he knows it’ll be most effective. That’s where open communication and physician trust play a huge role in the decision-making process – if you don’t feel comfortable with the decision your current spine surgeon has made for you, get a second opinion with Dr. Mark Giovanini at NeuroMicroSpine.

He will review your case and tell you his honest opinion. As a leader in neuroscience and spine surgery, Dr. Mark Giovanini welcomes anyone who may have a question or concern about their spine health.

For more information on minimally invasive spine surgery or to make an appointment with Dr. Giovanini, please call (850) 934-7545 or visit https://www.neuromicrospine.com/request-appointment.

We hope to see you soon!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.