Scholarlink

Purpose <p>Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is commonly performed to treat cervical myelopathy. However, its effectiveness in decompressing posterior structures like hypertrophied ligamentum flavum, remains unclear. This study aimed to identify disc-level factors that predict radiographic improvement of posterior cord compression caused by ligamentum flavum (CCLF) after ACDF.</p> Methods <p>We retrospectively analyzed 75 cervical disc levels from 43 patients who underwent ACDF for degenerative cervical disease with preoperative CCLF on MRI. Postoperative CCLF changes were evaluated, and discs were divided into improved and unimproved groups. Preoperative disc angle, segmental lordosis, disc height, preoperative disc range of motion, cage-to-disc ratio, Hounsfield units (HU) values, and facet joint degeneration were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of failure to improve CCLF.</p> Results <p>Postoperative improvement in the CCLF was observed in 59 of 75 disc levels (79%). The unimproved group showed significantly larger preoperative disc angles (5.1° vs. 2.3°, <i>p</i> = 0.003) and higher HU values (368 vs. 326, <i>p</i> = 0.04). In addition, advanced facet osteoarthritis was significantly more frequent in the unimproved group (<i>P</i> = 0.027). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that greater preoperative disc angle (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.45, <i>p</i> = 0.041), higher HU values (OR: 1.007, 95% CI: 1–1.015, <i>p</i> = 0.048) and advanced facet degeneration (OR = 8.92, 95% CI: 1.01–78.6, <i>p</i> = 0.049) were independently associated with failure to improve CCLF.</p> Conclusion <p>Indirect decompression via ACDF may be less effective in segments with greater disc angles, higher bone densities, or advanced facet degeneration. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative disc-level assessment in surgical planning.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Disc-level predictors of indirect decompression of posterior cord compression by the ligamentum flavum following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月5日

查看全文
  • Hiroaki Kimura,
  • Juichi Miura,
  • Atsushi Tanaka,
  • Yushi Sakamoto,
  • Taiichi Matsumoto

摘要

Purpose

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is commonly performed to treat cervical myelopathy. However, its effectiveness in decompressing posterior structures like hypertrophied ligamentum flavum, remains unclear. This study aimed to identify disc-level factors that predict radiographic improvement of posterior cord compression caused by ligamentum flavum (CCLF) after ACDF.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 75 cervical disc levels from 43 patients who underwent ACDF for degenerative cervical disease with preoperative CCLF on MRI. Postoperative CCLF changes were evaluated, and discs were divided into improved and unimproved groups. Preoperative disc angle, segmental lordosis, disc height, preoperative disc range of motion, cage-to-disc ratio, Hounsfield units (HU) values, and facet joint degeneration were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of failure to improve CCLF.

Results

Postoperative improvement in the CCLF was observed in 59 of 75 disc levels (79%). The unimproved group showed significantly larger preoperative disc angles (5.1° vs. 2.3°, p = 0.003) and higher HU values (368 vs. 326, p = 0.04). In addition, advanced facet osteoarthritis was significantly more frequent in the unimproved group (P = 0.027). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that greater preoperative disc angle (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.45, p = 0.041), higher HU values (OR: 1.007, 95% CI: 1–1.015, p = 0.048) and advanced facet degeneration (OR = 8.92, 95% CI: 1.01–78.6, p = 0.049) were independently associated with failure to improve CCLF.

Conclusion

Indirect decompression via ACDF may be less effective in segments with greater disc angles, higher bone densities, or advanced facet degeneration. These findings highlight the importance of preoperative disc-level assessment in surgical planning.