Osteoplastic laminotomy for tumor of the cauda equina report of six cases

Between 1983 and 1988, osteoplastic laminotomy was performed in six cases after tumor extirpation of the cauda equina. Histological examinations of the tumor proved that five were Schwannoma and one was benign cystic teratoma. Surgical procedures were determined by size and location of the tumor. Four cases were treatd by the operative technique reported in 1976 by Raimondi et al. In one case, after extirpation of the left side dumb-bell type Schwannoma between the third and fourth lumbar vertbra, excised spinous process was used for coverage of the spinal canal and postero-lateral fusion was also performed in the affected side. A small and localized tumor was excised with partial hemilaminectomy and resection of the reconstructed spinous process. Reconstruction of posterior part of the lumbar vertebra is important to prevent postoperative kyphosis, anterior subluxation, and instability of the spine especially in children.