Multisegmental Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy and Radiculopathy Treated by Multilevel Oblique Corpectomies without Fusion

OBJECTIVE: The description of the technique of multilevel oblique corpectomy (MOC) without fusion in the treatment of spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy and the analysis of the results of this technique from a series of 101 cases are presented. METHODS: MOC is performed using an anterolateral approach with control of the vertebral artery. The vertebral bodies are drilled obliquely from the lateral side toward the opposite posterolateral corner. More than half of the vertebral bodies are preserved, and no fusion procedure is required. The series of patients from 1992 through 1997 included 54 men and 47 women, with an average age of 57.9 years, who presented with myelopathy (n = 66) or radiculopathy (n = 35). MOC was realized on one to five levels from C2-C3 to C7-T1. Follow-up data were obtained by performing dynamic roentgenography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging 2 months, 1 year, and 3 years after surgery. RESULTS: The results (Japanese Orthopedic Association score) were improvement in 82% of the patients, worsening in 8%, and stabilization in 10%. Better results were observed in younger patients (