Comparison of Ultrasonic Osteotome and Conventional Drill Osteotome

Ultrasonic bone osteotome has been utilized in various surgical field, but the use in neurosurgery especially in spine surgery is not widely spread. The tissue selectivity of ultrasonic osteotomy may enhance operative time and reduce tissue trauma. Moreover, bony fusion rate may be increased because of low thermal injury to the bone. In the present study, we are going to compare bony fusion rate after cervical laminotomy either with ultrasonic osteotome or conventional drill.

Inclusion criteria

• cervical myelopathy at 3 or more levels due to spondylosis, congenital stenosis, or OPLL;
• aged more than 20 years
• with American Society of Anesthesiology physical status class 1 or 2

Exclusion criteria

• concomitant neurological disease such as cerebral palsy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; 2) concurrent cancer or infection; 3) previous cervical spinal surgery; 4) a trauma-associated lesion; 5) inability to be followed up (i.e., foreign patients); 6) refusal to participate in the study