Anterior subaxial decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy

Decompression of the subaxial cervical spinal cord in the presence of a cervical kyphosis can be accomplished only by the strategy called multilevel corpectomy. Our experience with >200 such procedures for cervical spondylotic myelopathy indicates that the width of decompression should be limited, whereas the length should be liberal. The routine use of plating and exclusive use of autogenous bone grafts are not usually necessary for acceptable outcomes. Soft-tissue morbidity can be minimal by regular release of retractors, and orthosis in the otherwise stable neck need not be complex.