Clinical Application of the Ultrasonic Osteotome for the Spinous Process-Splitting Laminoplasty

Abstract

When performing a spinous process splitting laminoplasty, several instruments such as an air drill system, a T-saw and an airtome have been used for osteotomy. Recently we have experienced an use of ultrasonic osteotome (SONOPET UST-2000 M&M Co., Ltd) for spinal surgery. This instrument has two different types of blade tip ; a scalpel type and a scratch type. Either type is useful for the spinous process splitting laminoplasty, particulary a scratch type being suitable for C2 dome laminectomy. A great advantage of this instrument for osteotomy is that the incidence of injury to the dura mater or nerves is less frequent than that by an use of the air drill system. Other advantages and usefulness of the instrument are discussed in this paper. In conclusion, the ultrasonic osteotome has been proved to be useful and safe, and may likely to supersede the air drill system.