The spine journal : official journal of the North American Spine Society
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Techniques in current use for expansive laminoplasty operations (ELAP) on the cervical spine damage the extensor mechanisms, resulting in restriction of neck motion, loss of lordosis and persistent axial pains. ⋯ Skip laminectomy for cervical spinal canal decompression is less invasive than conventional laminectomy and ELAP. It is effective in preventing postoperative problems, such as persistent axial symptoms, restriction of neck motion and loss of cervical lordosis.