Our Summary

This research paper investigates a new, less invasive surgical technique for relieving pressure on the spinal cord in the neck (cervical myelopathy). This technique, called “minimally invasive dorsal cervical decompression” (miDCD), is compared to more traditional methods like laminectomy, laminoplasty, or laminectomy and fusion.

The study included 35 patients who had undergone the miDCD procedure. The researchers analyzed X-ray images before and after surgery, looking at various measures such as range of motion, angle of the neck curve, neck alignment, and the slope of the seventh neck vertebra. They also took into account how patients reported their own outcomes, including neck pain, disability, physical and mental health, and two specific scales measuring severity of spinal cord disease.

The results showed that after the miDCD surgical procedure, all the X-ray measurements remained stable, meaning that the surgery did not negatively affect the patients’ neck movement or alignment. In terms of patients’ self-reporting, several measures improved significantly after surgery, including neck pain, severity of spinal cord disease, disability, and physical health.

The researchers concluded that the miDCD procedure can maintain neck movement and alignment better than the traditional surgical methods. This means that this less invasive technique might be a good option for treating cervical myelopathy, a condition that can cause neck pain and neurological symptoms.

FAQs

  1. What is minimally invasive dorsal cervical decompression (miDCD) and how does it differ from traditional methods?
  2. What were the results of the study on miDCD procedure in terms of patient’s neck movement, alignment, and self-reporting?
  3. Is the miDCD procedure a better option for treating cervical myelopathy compared to traditional surgical methods?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that spinal decompression can help alleviate pressure on the spinal cord, improving neck movement and alignment. This less invasive technique, such as minimally invasive dorsal cervical decompression (miDCD), may be a good option for treating conditions like cervical myelopathy. It is important to discuss with your doctor the best treatment options for your specific condition.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended spinal decompression include those suffering from conditions such as cervical myelopathy, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, and facet joint syndrome. These patients may experience symptoms such as neck or back pain, numbness or tingling in the extremities, weakness, difficulty walking or standing, and limited range of motion. Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections may be candidates for spinal decompression surgery. It is important for patients to consult with a spine specialist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for their individual condition.

Timeline

Before spinal decompression:

  • Patient may experience symptoms such as neck pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms
  • Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to determine the cause of their symptoms
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage their symptoms

After spinal decompression:

  • Patient undergoes minimally invasive dorsal cervical decompression (miDCD) procedure
  • X-ray images are taken before and after surgery to assess range of motion, neck alignment, and other measures
  • Patient reports improvements in neck pain, disability, physical and mental health
  • Researchers conclude that miDCD procedure can maintain neck movement and alignment better than traditional methods, offering a less invasive option for treating cervical myelopathy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about spinal decompression include:

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the miDCD procedure compared to more traditional methods?
  2. How long is the recovery time after the miDCD procedure, and what kind of post-operative care will be needed?
  3. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  4. How likely is it that my symptoms of cervical myelopathy will improve or resolve after the miDCD procedure?
  5. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or restrictions I should follow after the surgery to optimize my recovery?
  6. How many miDCD procedures have you performed, and what is your success rate with this technique?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or surgical options available for my condition, and how do they compare to the miDCD procedure in terms of outcomes and risks?
  8. How long do the effects of the miDCD procedure typically last, and will I need additional surgeries in the future?
  9. Can you provide me with any patient testimonials or references from individuals who have undergone the miDCD procedure with successful results?
  10. What is the overall prognosis for my condition if left untreated or if I choose to undergo the miDCD procedure?

Reference

Authors: Szewczyk BS, Riccio AR, Entezami P, German JW. Journal: Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2020 Sep;196:105967. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.105967. Epub 2020 May 28. PMID: 32604033