Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (15): 3983-3992.doi: 10.12307/2026.356

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Risk factors for axial symptoms following posterior cervical laminoplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ma Le1, 2, Song Yuke1, 2, Zhong Xianxing1, 2, Zhang Wensheng1, 2   

  1. 1Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510378, Guangdong Province, China; 2Guangdong Institute of Traditional Chinese Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou 510378, Guangdong Province, China
  • Accepted:2025-07-09 Online:2026-05-28 Published:2025-11-10
  • Contact: Zhang Wensheng, MS, Attending physician, Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510378, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Institute of Traditional Chinese Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou 510378, Guangdong Province, China
  • About author:Ma Le, MS, Attending physician, Department of Orthopedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510378, Guangdong Province, China; Guangdong Institute of Traditional Chinese Orthopedics and Traumatology, Guangzhou 510378, Guangdong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    Scientific Research and Innovation Fund of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. Sy2023005 (to ML); Scientific Research and Innovation Fund of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, No. Sy2023002 (to ZWS); Scientific Research Project of Guangdong Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Special Research Platform), No. 20254086 (to ZWS)

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Axial symptoms are among the most common complications following posterior cervical laminoplasty, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Currently, there is no systematic analysis of the risk factors associated with axial symptoms. This study aims to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of axial symptoms through a meta-analysis, providing evidence-based guidance for clinical management.
METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, WanFang Data, VIP, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database for case-control studies on axial symptoms following cervical open-door laminoplasty. The search period extended from the inception of each database to April 2025. Search strategies were tailored to the characteristics of each database. Basic characteristics, incidence rates, and risk factors for axial symptoms were extracted from the included studies. Risk of bias and quality of the included studies were assessed. Meta-analysis was performed using R software (version 4.4.2) to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of axial symptoms.
RESULTS: (1) A total of 17 studies involving 2 156 patients were included in the analysis. The overall incidence of axial symptoms was 34.88% (95%CI: 0.301 6-0.399 0). Of them, 13 articles were of high quality. (2) Meta-analysis identified the following as independent risk factors for axial symptoms: preoperative neck and shoulder pain (OR=2.35, 95%CI: 2.20-2.50), cervical curvature < 12° (OR=3.16, 95%CI: 1.91-5.24), canal occupancy rate (OR=1.35, 95%CI: 1.02-1.79), facet joint violation (OR=2.87, 95%CI: 1.96-4.19), changes in cervical curvature (OR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.03-1.17), and changes in cervical range of motion (OR=1.09, 95%CI: 1.04-1.14).
CONCLUSION: Preoperative neck and shoulder pain, cervical curvature < 12°, intraoperative facet joint violation, and postoperative changes in cervical curvature and range of motion were identified as independent risk factors for axial symptoms. Patients with these high-risk factors should be closely monitored and provided with timely interventions to reduce the incidence of axial symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Key words: posterior cervical laminoplasty, axial symptom, incidence, risk factor, meta-analysis, cervical curvature, facet joint violation

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