Cervical laminectomy may compromise the stability of the spine.
Posterolateral facet fusion can be used to stabilize the spine after
laminectomy and prevent progressive deformity. The procedure includes
passing wires through drill holes in the articular processes and binding
two longitudinal struts of bone to the posterior columns of the articular
processes. Sixty-three p atients with cervical laminectomy and facet fusion
were reviewed, and fifty-two of them were followed for one to seventeen
years. The reasons for fusion were to control overt spinal instability and
deformity or to eliminate motion which may contribute to spondylosis. Solid
fusion occurred in fifty of fifty-two patients at a mean of 6.5 months and
provided continuing stability without progressive deformity. Although facet
fusion is a complex procedure, it provides secure stabilization, does not
interfere with decompression, and permits early mobilization of the
patient.