Thoracic laminoplasty using spinous processes--technical note.

A simple method of thoracic laminoplasty using spinous processes is described. The procedure involves reshaping the spinous processes which have been removed during laminectomy and suturing these back into position to provide a cover for the dura. The procedure was carried out in five patients with good results. Laminoplasty using spinous processes appears to be a simple and safe alternative, using otherwise discarded tissue and requiring no sophisticated instrumentation, prosthetic material, or technically complex maneuvers.