Clinical outcomes of posterior laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation for upper cervical intraspinal tumors: a case series

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to introduce posterior laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation for the treatment of upper cervical spinal cord tumors and investigate the curative effects. METHODS: Eighteen patients (11 men, 7 women) who underwent surgical treatment of an upper cervical intraspinal tumor from January 2008 to June 2013 were reviewed. Clinical parameters including age, sex, affected spinal levels, lesion location, duration and type of symptoms, and pathological features were retrospectively investigated. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 181.9 ± 25.5 minutes (range, 135–240 minutes), and the mean blood loss volume was 1038.9 ± 284.2 mL (range, 750–1530 mL). The Frankel grade, Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, and Karnofsky performance status score were significantly better postoperatively than preoperatively. The radiographic examination revealed good bone graft fusion. Two patients developed tumor recurrence, while four patients developed intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Management of upper cervical intraspinal tumors by posterior laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation can relieve compression of the cervical cord and nerve root, thoroughly remove the tumor lesion, reconstruct the stability of the upper cervical spine, and improve patients’ quality of life.