Extensive simultaneous multisegment laminectomy for myelopathy due to the ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical region.

Extensive simultaneous multisegment laminectomy (ESML) for treatment of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the cervical region is a technique which cuts the laminae on the median line and on the pedicles with an air drill, and then, the right and left halves of laminae are lifted simultaneously. This technique provides a protection to the spinal cord that swells instantaneously after decompression. A total of 155 cases were followed up for more than 1 year. According to the Japanese Orthopedic Association's evaluation criteria, 127 cases (81.9%) showed some improvement; specifically, 57 cases (36.8%) were rated excellent; 28 (18.1%), good; 42 (27.1%), fair; 11 (7.1%), unchanged; and 17 (11.0%) had poor results.