Our Summary

This research paper investigates the necessity of a particular spinal shift, known as the Postoperative posterior spinal cord shift (PSS), which happens after certain types of spinal surgery. The researchers question if this shift is really necessary for the patient’s recovery.

The study was conducted on 162 patients who had undergone surgery for a condition called cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM), a spinal issue. They looked at the degree of spinal shift after the surgery, and how it related to the patient’s recovery.

They found that the number of spinal segments (laminae) involved in the surgery and the angle of the spine after surgery were correlated with the degree of the spinal shift. However, the degree of the spinal shift did not seem to affect the patient’s recovery rate.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that the spinal shift, traditionally thought to be important, is not actually necessary for a satisfactory recovery after this type of spinal surgery. This could potentially lead to new surgical techniques that are less invasive and easier on the patient.

FAQs

  1. What is the Postoperative posterior spinal cord shift (PSS) and is it necessary for recovery after spinal surgery?
  2. How does the degree of spinal shift after surgery relate to the patient’s recovery?
  3. Could findings that the spinal shift is not necessary for recovery lead to new, less invasive surgical techniques?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a spinal laminectomy that while some spinal shift may occur after the surgery, it is not necessarily crucial for their recovery. They could explain that the degree of spinal shift does not seem to impact the patient’s recovery rate, and reassure them that they can still have a successful outcome without a significant shift in their spine. This information may help alleviate any concerns or fears the patient has about potential changes in their spinal alignment post-surgery.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended spinal laminectomy are those who are experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal. This can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, weakness, and numbness in the back, legs, and arms. Patients with conditions such as herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal tumors may also be recommended spinal laminectomy to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Timeline

Before the spinal laminectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms of spinal compression, such as pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in the arms or legs
  • Patient undergoes diagnostic tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to determine the extent of the spinal compression
  • Surgeon recommends spinal laminectomy as a treatment option to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves

After the spinal laminectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to remove a portion of the lamina (bony arch) of the vertebrae to decompress the spinal cord or nerves
  • Patient may experience pain and discomfort immediately following the surgery
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy or rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the affected area
  • Patient gradually experiences relief from symptoms of spinal compression and improves function in the affected limbs

Overall, the goal of spinal laminectomy is to alleviate symptoms of spinal compression and improve the patient’s quality of life by restoring function and reducing pain.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a spinal laminectomy and why is it recommended for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a spinal laminectomy?
  3. How long is the recovery process after a spinal laminectomy?
  4. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the surgery?
  5. Are there alternative treatment options to a spinal laminectomy that I should consider?
  6. How will a spinal laminectomy affect my daily activities and quality of life?
  7. Will I need to make any lifestyle changes after the surgery?
  8. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  9. What can I expect in terms of pain management after the surgery?
  10. Are there any specific exercises or precautions I should take to support my recovery process?

Reference

Authors: Nori S, Shiraishi T, Aoyama R, Ninomiya K, Yamane J, Kitamura K, Ueda S. Journal: J Clin Neurosci. 2018 Apr;50:226-231. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.01.067. Epub 2018 Feb 10. PMID: 29439907