Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Versus Laminoplasty for Multilevel Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: A National Administrative Database Analysis

BACKGROUND: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is effective for the treatment of single-level cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). However, the data surrounding multilevel CSM have remained controversial. One alternative is laminoplasty, although evidence comparing these strategies has remained sparse. In the present report, we retrospectively reviewed the readmission and reoperation rates for patients who had undergone ACDF or laminoplasty for multilevel CSM from a national longitudinal administrative claims database. METHODS: We queried the MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters database to identify patients who had undergone ACDF or laminoplasty for multilevel CSM from 2007 to 2016. The patients were stratified by operation type. Patients aged <18 years, patients with a history of tumor or trauma, and patients who had undergone anteroposterior approach were excluded from the present study. RESULTS: A total of 5445 patients were included, of whom 1521 had undergone laminoplasty. A matched cohort who had undergone ACDF was identified. The overall 90 day postoperative complication rate was greater in the laminoplasty cohort (odds ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.18e1.86; P < 0.0001). The mean length of stay and 90-day readmission rates were greater in the laminoplasty cohort. The hospital and total payments of the index hospitalization were greater in the ACDF cohort, as were the total payments for 2 pound years after the index hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: In the present administrative claims database study, no difference was found in the reoperation rate between ACDF and laminoplasty. ACDF resulted in fewer complications and readmissions compared with laminoplasty but was associated with greater costs. Additional prospective research is required to investigate the factors driving the higher costs of ACDF in this population and the long-term clinical outcomes.

Automated summary

This retrospective study reviewed readmission and reoperation rates for patients who had undergone ACDF or laminoplasty for multilevel CSM from a national administrative claims database. Results showed higher postoperative complication rates, longer length of stay, and higher readmission rates in the laminoplasty group, as well as higher hospital and total payments.