MATERIAL and METHODS: This study included 107 patients who underwent the posterior approach between January 2019 and January 2023. Demographic characteristics, clinical and neurological examinations, laminectomy, fusion levels, cervical local kyphosis, and T1s (T1 slope) angles were analyzed.

RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 94 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 63.8 years. Among the patients, 90 (84.1%) underwent decompression via laminectomy alone, while 17 (15.9%) underwent laminectomy with lateral mass screw stabilization and posterolateral fusion. Of those treated with laminectomy alone, 27 (30%) underwent single-level laminectomy, 59 (65.6%) underwent two-level laminectomy, and 4 (4.4%) underwent three-level laminectomy. In the laminectomy and fusion group, 12 (70.5%) underwent three-level and 5 (29.5%) four-level laminectomy. At 6 months postoperatively, no significant differences were observed in cervical local kyphosis and T1s angles in patients who underwent laminectomy alone. Neurological recovery was noted in 53 (53.3%) of the patients with motor deficits by the 3rd postoperative month.

CONCLUSION: Although postlaminectomy kyphosis has led to increased use of alternative surgical techniques, well-selected laminectomy cases demonstrated preserved cervical lordosis and T1s angles at 6 months postoperatively. Also, significant neurological improvement was achieved. Preventing hyperflexion, hyperextension, and perioperative hypotension remains critical for minimizing postoperative neurological deteriorations in cases of severe cord compression. Anahtar Kelimeler : Laminectomy, Posterior segmental stabilization, Cervical spondylotic myelopathy