Cervical Kyphosis Following Laminectomy: Etiology, Prevention, and Surgical Reconstruction

Though cervical laminectomy without fusion is often performed for cervical stenosis, infection, or tumors, postoperative instability is a well-known complication. The deformity typically begins as a dynamic condition resulting in inability to maintain horizontal gaze and dysphagia and may progress to a fixed cervical kyphosis. Our goal is to review the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine and how they relate to the development of postoperative instability or kyphosis after a stand-alone laminectomy. We will also suggest several techniques to help avoid this complication and provide our experience with surgical management for both flexible and fixed deformities.