Abstract
Surgical selections for cervical spondylosis and disc hernia are controversial. Cervical spondylosis and disc hernia can be approached either posteriorly or anteriorly The author reviewed 480 patients who underwent the anterior approach and 61 patients who underwent the posterior approach for cervical spondylosis and disc hernia during the past 12 years. Anterior cervical decompression seems to be the best approach because posterior spurs and disc hernias are located in the anterior spinal canal. The author thinks that cervical laminoplasty is indicated in patients with 4 or more levels of stenosis associated with calcification of yellow ligament. Anterior decompression and fusion is required in cases of kyphosis. To avoid doner site problems and concentrating stress at the adjacent levels of operated cervical spine, the author devises an anterior approach by vertebrodiscotomy or transvertebral approach, which permitted some movement at the operated disc level. My surgical procedure with poly-L-lactide screws allows early mobilization and does not require the application of an external fixator.
