The clinical results and radiologic findings in 15 cases diagnosed as lumbar radiculopathy and treated with osteoplastic hemilaminectomy were studied. Follow-up period was from 7 months to 4 years, (average 2.3 years. Clinical results were evaluated by JOA score, and the recovery rate was determined by Hirabayashi’s method. Bone union of spinous processes and vertebral arch, which had been dissected with a surgical thread wire saw, was judged by radiographs and computed tomographs (CT). Osteoarthritic deterioration of the facet replaced was judged by CT. The preoperative mean JOA score was 5.2 points, which improved to 12.1 points at the final evaluation. Clinical evaluation improved with statistically significant differences. The mean recovery rate was 70.7%. The bone union rate of spinous processes and vertebral arch was 100% and 56%, respectively. However, the bone union rate showed little correlation with the improvement of clinical symptoms. Osteoarthritic deterioration of the facet progressed in 2 cases and appeared in 1 case. Re-operation was necessary for 1 case due to recurrence of severe leg and lower back pain. These results suggest that osteoplastic hemilaminectomy is effective for short term treatment, and longer follow-up is necessary.
