Dear Editor,

The authors of the article Modified open-door laminoplasty for the surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy in elderly patients are aware of the fact that their technique partially compromises the spinal biomechanics. Nevertheless, we do think that the modified laminoplasty has several benefits compared to laminectomy. The refixed laminae do not only provide better protection of the spinal cord than in laminectomy cases, but also serve as an insertion for the posterior neck muscles after surgery. Thus, the posterior tension band might be partially re-established during the healing process. Therefore, it is desirable to conduct long-term outcome studies that compare the modified technique with conventional laminoplasty and laminectomy.

Sincerely,

Dr. S. Alexander König