Cervical hemilaminectomy reconstruction: technical note.
STUDY DESIGN: A technique for posterior cervical hemilaminectomy reconstruction is described. OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for reconstruction of cervical hemilaminae in an adult that resulted in osseous fusion and to suggest modifications for use in children. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although uncommon, cervical hemilaminectomy can result in spine deformity. Re-establishment of the osseous and ligamentous structures should minimize this problem. METHOD: After excision of an intraspinal neurenteric cyst, removed cervical hemilaminae at C2 and C3 were reconstructed with metal plates, and posterior ligaments were reapproximated with suture. RESULTS: Radiologic evidence of osseous fusion was present at 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of this technique are restoration of normal anatomy, technical ease, and simplicity. A modification of this technique in children by using absorbable rather than metal plates should allow for normal spine growth.