INTRODUCTION:Bone health is critical to spine surgery. Studies have demonstrated the role and benefit of optimizing bone health before spinal surgery. However, bone health screening and treatment patterns vary considerably among spine surgeons. The purpose of this study was to assess the global screening, prevention, and treatment of osteoporosis and bone health in spine surgery. METHODS:A 34-item questionnaire was created and distributed anonymously, globally to AO Spine subscribers. The word responses were analyzed manually and categorized. Each participant was assigned a region: Asia, Africa, Central America, Europe, North America, or South America. Quantitative outcomes include the frequency and proportion of respondents who selected each answer. Qualitative outcomes include written responses to select prompts. Chi-squared tests was performed to compare proportions based on categories. RESULTS:The response rate was 3.4%; 36.2% of respondents were from Asia, 28.7% Europe, 12.8% South America, 9.8% North America, 9.6% Africa, and 2.9% Central America. 69.8% finished residency in orthopaedic surgery, 24.5% in neurosurgery, and 5.7% in others; 58.6% completed a spine fellowship. Before instrumented fusion, 61.1% routinely checked dual-energy radiograph absorptiometry (DXA). If osteoporosis is detected on DXA before an instrumented fusion, 65.1% would alter their treatment plan; 64.7% refer the patient to treatment first. The rate of DXA screening before instrumented fusion differed based on the region ( P < 0.001): the highest was in North America at 89.5%, and the lowest was in Africa at 36.6%. Before instrumented fusion, fellowship-trained surgeons screened DXA more routinely than those without a fellowship, at 67.9% and 52.5%, respectively ( P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS:Globally, bone health screening before spine surgery has increased. However, large regional variations in practice patterns exist regarding the screening of bone health pre- and perioperatively.

The aim of this study was to identify relevant factors associated with sagittal malalignment, which refers to the loss of lordosis or recurrence of kyphosis following an anterior cervical approach. Degenerative cervical kyphosis has increasingly attracted clinical attention, but there are few studies about the classification of local kyphosis and risk factors of adverse sagittal alignment (ASA) after anterior surgery. The study retrospectively reviewed 82 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy and local kyphosis who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) between January 2019 and December 2021. The patients' baseline characteristics and postoperative assessments were reviewed using electronic medical records from a single-institution database. Based on the postoperative ASA, the patients were divided into the maintaining and adverse groups. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to predict related factors of the ASA. Comparing the two groups, advanced age (p = 0.019), the classification of local kyphosis (p = 0.001), and preoperative thoracic 1 (T1) slope angle (p < 0.001), C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (SVA) (p < 0.001), C2-7 range of motion (ROM) (p = 0.001), and postoperative adjacent segment degeneration (ASD) (p = 0.009), neck disability index (NDI) (p < 0.001), visual analogue score (VAS) (p < 0.001) were significantly different. Multiple linear regression analysis results for relevant factors of the change of local and C2-7 kyphosis showed classification of kyphosis (p = 0.007 and p = 0.563, respectively), T1 slope angle (p = 0.018 and p = 0.004, respectively), C2-7 SVA (p = 0.109 and p = 0.017, respectively), C2-7 ROM (p = 0.028 and p = 0.007, respectively). Our data suggest that postoperative ASA affects recovery of neck pain, and is related to preoperative T1 slope, C2-7 SVA, C2-7 ROM, and the classification of kyphosis.

To identify the clinical characteristics of and risk factors for pathological fractures secondary to osteoarticular infections (OAI) in children. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 159 children with acute OAI treated at our institution between July 2012 and June 2024. Patients were divided into a pathological fracture group (n = 24) and a no-fracture group (n = 135). Data analyzed included age, sex, time to admission, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) admission and length of stay, non-orthopedic admission, disseminated infection, delayed surgery, precipitating factors, initial symptoms, pre-hospital peak temperature, inflammatory markers, extent of infection, affected bone diameter, bacteremia, pathogen (MSSA or MRSA) and susceptibility, antibiotic use, number of infected sites, surgical method, number of pre-fracture and total surgeries, postoperative fever duration, recurrent fever, length of stay, and number of hospitalizations. The median time to pathological fracture was 55 days, which was significantly positively correlated with age (r = 0.719, P < 0.001). Children aged ≤ 49.5 months constituted the largest proportion of the fracture group (70.8

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the degeneration patterns of paraspinal muscles in double-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (dl-DLS) versus single-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (sl-DLS). METHODS:A total of 67 dl-DLS and 73 sl-DLS patients were included. Multifidus (MF), erector spinae (ES), and psoas major (PM)'s fatty infiltration (FI) and relative cross-sectional area (rCSA) were measured. Sagittal parameters such as lumbar lordosis (LL), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS) were also assessed. Comparisons and correlation analysis were performed between the 2 groups. RESULTS:MF atrophy is worse in dl-DLS patients from L3-4 to L5-S1, with higher FI from L1-2 to L5-S1 compared to sl-DLS patients. ES atrophy and FI are more pronounced in dl-DLS patients from L1-2 to L5-S1. PM atrophy is more significant in dl-DLS patients at L2-3 to L5-S1, with heavier FI from L1-2 to L3-4, though no difference in FI from L4-5 to L5-S1. The rCSA and FI of MF and ES show significant differences between adjacent segments in both groups, except for MF rCSA between L3-4 and L4-5 in dl-DLS. In dl-DLS, PM rCSA negatively correlates with PT from L4-5 to L2-3, while FI of MF and ES in L5-S1 positively correlates with LL. In sl-DLS, PM FI in L4-5 and L5-S1 negatively correlates with LL. CONCLUSION:Degeneration of MF, ES, and PM is more severe in dl-DLS patients, particularly at the spondylolisthesis level. Severe paraspinal muscle degeneration can lead to spinal force imbalance and progression from sl-DLS to dl-DLS. The degradation of PM and ES correlates negatively with PT and SVA, indicating a link to pelvic decompensation and SVA abnormalities, potentially causing disproportionate degenerative changes in dl-DLS patients.

OBJECTIVE This study investigated the correlation between Hounsfield units (HU) of the cervical vertebrae and atrophy of the cervical deep paraspinal muscles, namely the multifidus and semispinalis cervicis (SCer), in patients diagnosed with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM). METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed data from 136 patients aged 50–79 years (81 males and 55 females) who underwent surgical intervention for DCM. HU measurements of the cancellous bone in the C4 vertebra were acquired through standardized techniques. The authors evaluated fatty infiltration (FI); analyzed functional and vertebral cross-sectional area (CSA) of the multifidus and SCer at the C4–5, C5–6, and C6–7 levels; and analyzed the presence of Modic changes (MCs) and the incidence of axial neck pain. RESULTS Patients were categorized into group A (n = 56) with mean ± SD HU of 293.3 ± 15.6 and group B (n = 80) with mean ± SD HU of 389.5 ± 10.6. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in postoperative clinical outcomes (p < 0.05); however, no statistically significant difference was observed (p > 0.05). Significant disparities in HU measurements and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for neck pain were observed between the groups (p < 0.05). The highest VAS score correlated with MCs-1 type (i.e., low signal on T1-weighted images and high signal on T2-weighted images). The functional CSA to vertebral CSA ratios of the multifidus and SCer in group A were markedly reduced compared to those of group B (p < 0.05). No significant difference was noted in functional CSA asymmetry between the groups for both muscles (p > 0.05). Lower HU measurements directly correlated with increased FI in the multifidus (p = 0.002) and SCer (p = 0.035). Furthermore, a strong positive association was found between the functional CSA to vertebral CSA ratio of the multifidus and HU values (p = 0.003), whereas HU measurements and VAS scores exhibited a negative correlation (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS Among those patients older than 50 years with DCM, those with decreased HU values demonstrated elevated FI levels in the multifidus and SCer muscles. Moreover, these patients presented with pronounced muscle atrophy, which correlated with axial neck pain. A significant relationship was also identified between MCs and diminished HU values.

To analyze and evaluate the clinical outcomes of using high-viscosity bone cement compared to low-viscosity bone cement in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for treatment of Kummell’s disease. From July 2017 to July 2019, 68 Kummell’s disease patients who underwent PVP were chosen and separated into 2 groups: H group (n = 34), were treated with high-viscosity bone cement and L group (n = 34), treated with low-viscosity bone cement during treatment. The operation time, number of fluoroscopy tests done, and amount of bone cement perfusion were recorded for both groups. Clinical outcomes were compared, by measuring their Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Kyphosis Cobb’s angle, vertebral height compression rate, and other complications. High-viscosity group showed less operation time and reduced number of fluoroscopy tests than the low-viscosity group (P < 0.05). When compared to preoperative period, both groups’ VAS and ODI scores were significantly reduced at 1 day and 1 year postoperatively (P < 0.05). The vertebral height compression rate and Cobb’s angle were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both groups after surgery compared with those before surgery (P < 0.05). The cement leakage rate in group H was 26.5

Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical results of a minimally invasive anatomic reconstruction technique for isolated MPFL in cases of recurrent patellar instability, without consideration of Patella alta, TT-TG distance, and trochlear dysplasia. Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on prospectively collected data from patients who underwent minimally invasive isolated MPFL reconstructive surgery at Norinco General Hospital between 2014 and 2019. Preoperative evaluation included assessment of the J-sign, trochlear dysplasia according to Dejour classification, patellar height using the Caton-Deschamps index (CDI), and tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Postoperatively, Kujala score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Tegner score were assessed. Complications such as re-dislocation of the patella, patellar fracture, hematoma formation, and knee stiffness were recorded as failure if they severely affected knee function after MPFL reconstruction. Results: A total of 106 patients (Average age, 21.5 ±5.9 years; 68% females; mean follow-up, 7.2±1.6 years) were included. 28 individuals (26%) presented with a preoperative positive J-sign, trochlear dysplasia was observed in 102 cases (A,48%; B,22%; C,18%; D,8%). The mean CDI value was 1.18±0.16 (range,0.9-1.5); average TT-TG distance, 21.0±3.8 mm (range,10-26 mm). The final follow-up mean Kujala score was 83.2 ± 14.6 (range 40-100); mean IKDC score, 77.8 ± 12.6 (range 24 - 93); mean Tegner score, 4.0 ± 1.8 (range 1-9). Postoperative patellar instability and re-dislocation were observed in 5 patients (5%). Knee pain emerged as the most prevalent postoperative complication (17%). Joint release surgery was required for two patients experiencing postoperative knee stiffness. The Kujala score of 70 patients was ≥80, and the clinical excellent rate reached 66%. Patients with positive J-sign and severe trochlear dysplasia before surgery are more likely to have unsatisfactory results（Kujala score＜80）, and both have significant differences. However, the two anatomical factors, CDI and TT-TG value, had no statistical significance on the satisfied and unsatisfied results of Kujala scores. Conclusion: The reconstruction of the isolated medial patellofemoral ligament has shown positive clinical results in treating patellar instability. Especially for young female patients, a minimally invasive MPFL reconstruction technique with minimal scarring leads to increased patient satisfaction. However, in cases where preoperative assessment shows a positive J-Sign and severe trochlear dysplasia, it may be necessary to consider incorporating bony procedures such as tibial tubercle osteotomy or trochleoplasty.

Abstract Background Hidden blood loss (HBL) is of increasing interest to spine surgeons. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate perioperative HBL and its risk factors in patients undergoing one-segment posterior circumferential decompression surgery on thoracic ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (T-OPLL). Method We retrospectively studied 112 patients diagnosed with T-OPLL following posterior circumferential decompression surgery from August 2015 to June 2020. Patient demographics, blood loss-related parameters, surgery-related data and imaging parameters were extracted. Postoperative complications were also recorded. Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between patient demographics and HBL. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors associated with HBL. Results Forty-five men and 67 women were involved in this research, with an average age of 56.4 ± 10.2 years. The mean HBL was 459.6 ± 275.4 ml, accounting for 56.5% of the total blood loss. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that double-layer sign (P = 0.000), ossification occupancy ratio (OOR) > 60% (P = 0.030), age (P = 0.010), hematocrit (Hct) loss (P = 0.034), and postoperative Hct (P = 0.016) were independent risk factors for HBL. However, OPLL morphology (P = 0.319), operation time (P = 0.587), hemoglobin (Hb) loss (P = 0.644), and postoperative Hb (P = 0.952) were not significantly different from HBL. Conclusion A high proportion of HBL was found after posterior circumferential decompression surgery on T-OPLL during the perioperative period, which should not be overlooked. Double-layer sign, OOR > 60%, age, Hct loss and postoperative Hct are independent risk factors for HBL.

目的 比较近端型与远端型肌萎缩型颈椎病前路患侧扩大减压植骨融合内固定手术疗效.方法 回顾性分析自2010-01-2020-06采用颈椎前路患侧扩大减压植骨融合内固定术治疗的33例肌萎缩型颈椎病,近端型22例,远端型11例.观察近端型与远端型肌萎缩型颈椎病患者的影像学表现,比较术后萎缩最严重肌肉的肌力改善情况.结果 颈椎MRI显示近端型肌萎缩型颈椎病患者神经受压部位:6例脊髓前角受压,5例腹侧神经根受压,11例脊髓前角和腹侧神经根受压;远端型肌萎缩型颈椎病患者神经受压部位:4例脊髓前角受压,1例腹侧神经根受压,6例脊髓前角和腹侧神经根受压.在MRIT2加权像上,近端型肌萎缩型颈椎病患者中17例脊髓前角受压,7例出现髓内高信号;远端型肌萎缩型颈椎病患者中10例显示脊髓前角受压,5例出现髓内高信号.33例均获得至少12个月随访,术后所有患者均有不同程度的吞咽疼痛不适,对症治疗后症状缓解,无喉上神经及喉返神经损伤、血管损伤.随访期间所有患者未出现椎间隙塌陷、内固定物松动,术后均获得骨性融合.近端型肌萎缩型颈椎病患者术后萎缩最严重肌肉的肌力评定结果优于远端型肌萎缩型颈椎病患者,差异有统计学意义(P=0.017).结论 肌萎缩型颈椎病导致的神经损伤具有隐匿且严重的特点,采用颈椎前路患侧扩大减压植骨融合内固定术治疗可取得良好疗效,而且近端型患者手术疗效好于远端型患者,同时术中应谨慎操作以避免损伤神经根及椎动脉.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with spinal fractures with thoracic and lumbar fracture as the most common type shows characteristics of unstable fracture, high incidence of nerve injury, high mortality and high disability rate. The diagnosis may be missed because it is mostly caused by low-energy injury, when spinal rigidity and osteoporosis have a great impact on the accuracy of imaging examination. At the same time, the treatment choices are controversial, with no relevant specifications. Non-operative treatments can easily lead to bone nonunion, pseudoarthrosis and delayed nerve injury, while surgeries may be failed due to internal fixation failure. At present, there are no evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of AS combined with thoracic and lumbar fracture. In this context, the Spinal Trauma Academic Group of Orthopedics Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of adult ankylosing spondylitis combined with thoracolumbar fracture ( version 2023) by following the principles of evidence-based medicine and systematically review related literatures. Ten recommendations on the diagnosis, imaging evaluation, classification and treatment of AS combined with thoracic and lumbar fracture were put forward, aiming to standardize the clinical diagnosis and treatment of such disorder.

PURPOSE:To explore whether combining the Hounsfield unit (HU) values and vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scores can improve the BMD assessment in patients with lumbar degenerative diseases.METHODS:The HU values were measured by CT image, and VBQ scores were calculated by lumbar MRI image. The correlations of the opportunistic imaging parameters to the lowest T-scores were analyzed. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the accuracy in detecting osteoporosis. Finally, the specificity and sensitivity of different combined methods of the HU values and VBQ scores in the diagnosis of osteoporosis were compared.RESULTS:Patients with osteoporosis had the lowest HU values and the highest VBQ scores. The correlation coefficients between the VBQ scores and the T-scores were smaller than HU values (L1 HU value: 0.702; average HU value:0.700; L1 VBQ score: -0.413; VBQ score: -0.386). The areas under the curve (AUCs) of the HU values were greater than those of the VBQ scores, and the AUCs of the L1 VBQ score were similar to the VBQ score (L1 HU value: 0.850; average HU value:0.857; L1 VBQ score: 0.704; VBQ score: 0.673). When combining the two imaging parameters in series, the specificity of the detection of osteoporosis was improved (L1 HU value and L1 VBQ score: 87.3%; Average HU value and VBQ score: 85.9%). When combining the two imaging parameters in parallel, the sensitivity of the detection of osteoporosis was improved (L1 HU value or L1 VBQ score: 88.1%; Average HU value or VBQ score: 91.5%).CONCLUSIONS:Combinations of the HU values and VBQ scores could improve the diagnostic performance of osteoporosis. In addition, considering the same diagnostic performance but easier measurement, parameters at the single-segment level were recommended to assist in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

The acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults have a higher rate of neurological injury and early death compared with atlas or axial fractures alone. Currently, the diagnosis and treatment choices of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults are controversial because of the lack of standards for implementation. Non-operative treatments have a high incidence of bone nonunion and complications, while surgeries may easily lead to the injury of the vertebral artery, spinal cord and nerve root. At present, there are no evidence-based Chinese guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults. To provide orthopedic surgeons with the most up-to-date and effective information in treating acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field of spinal trauma to develop the Evidence-based guideline for clinical diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults ( version 2023) by referring to the "Management of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults" published by American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)/Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) in 2013 and the relevant Chinese and English literatures. Ten recommendations were made concerning the radiological diagnosis, stability judgment, treatment rules, treatment options and complications based on medical evidence, aiming to provide a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of acute combination fractures of the atlas and axis in adults.

Background:Cervical local kyphosis (CLK) is a common degenerative disorder with a potentially debilitating and intractable condition. Currently, there is still debate on the optimal treatment of local kyphotic cervical spondylotic myelopathy (LKCSM) via different anterior approaches. Objective:The objective of this study was to evaluate the surgical efficacy of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) vs. anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) for the treatment of LKCSM. In addition, the cervical sagittal alignment parameters and axial symptoms (AS) severity after CLK correction were analyzed. Materials and methods:From January 2016 and December 2020, 104 patients who suffered LKCSM were retrospectively reviewed. These patients underwent ACDF (n = 53) and ACCF (n = 51). Pre- and postoperatively, cervical sagittal alignment parameters were measured on the lateral X-rays, including local kyphotic angles (LKA), C2-7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, and C2-7 sagittal vertical axis (C2-7 SVA). The neurological recovery rate was calculated according to the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. The AS severity was evaluated using Neck Disability Index (NDI). Results:Significant differences (P < 0.05) were demonstrated between ACDF and ACCF groups regarding LKA, LKA correction, C2-7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, C2-7 SVA, NDI, NDI recovery and NDI ranking system. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) existed in JOA score, recovery rate, and neurological recovery rate grade. In both groups, significant differences (P < 0.05) were demonstrated between pre- and postoperative LKA, T1 slope, C2-7 Cobb angle, C2-7 SVA, JOA score, and NDI. LKA correction showed the positive correlations with the recovery rate (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), and with the NDI recovery in ACDF group (r = 0.49, P < 0.001) and in ACCF group (r = 0.55, P < 0.001). Conclusions:LKCSM with ≤3 segments of spinal cord compression can be improved with either ACDF or ACCF, resulting in satisfactory neurological outcomes. CLK correction can significantly improve the neurological function and AS, and increase the T1 slope and C2-7 SVA. However, ACDF was more favorable than ACCF in the CLK correction.

BACKGROUND Thoracic ossification of ligamentum flavum (TOLF) is a common pathological change of the thoracic ligamentum flavum. Identifying the risk factors for poor prognosis is critical for choosing suitable surgical methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 64 patients with TOLF after laminectomy were reviewed between January 2010 and April 2018 at the Department of Spine Surgery of the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale was used to evaluate the neurological function of patients. According to the average JOA improvement rate, the patients were divided into the good prognosis group (Group GP) and the poor prognosis group (Group PP). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for poor outcomes. RESULTS The average JOA improvement rate was 53.04±24.29%. Group GP comprised 33 patients, while Group PP comprised 31 patients. Duration of preoperative symptoms (P=0.005), intramedullary high signal intensity (P=0.001), dural ossification rate (P=0.002), and sagittal configuration of ossification (P=0.012) were significantly higher in Group PP than in Group GP. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that duration of preoperative symptoms (P=0.022), intramedullary high signal intensity (P=0.010), dural ossification (P=0.007) and sagittal configuration of ossification (P=0.029) were risk factors for poor outcomes of TOLF after laminectomy. CONCLUSIONS After surgical treatment of TOLF, the symptoms of some patients either recovered slowly or did not recover. Longer than 17 months of preoperative symptoms, intramedullary high signal intensity, dural ossification, and sagittal configuration of ossification were the risk factors for poor outcomes of TOLF after laminectomy.

Abstract Objective The objective of this study was to explore the impact of sarcopenia and sagittal parameters on the residual back pain (RBP) after percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF). Methods This retrospective study included elderly patients (age range 60–90 years) with OVCF treated with PVP from January 2015 and December 2020 in our hospital. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated by dividing the T12 pedicle level muscle cross-sectional area by the square of body height from chest CT to diagnose sarcopenia. The radiological parameters for measuring the sagittal alignment were included: C7-sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T1 pelvic angle (TPA), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence (PI). Result According to whether the VAS score > 4, patients were divided into RBP group (56 patients) and Control group (100 patients). There was no difference in age, gender, body mass index, BMD, surgical segment, bone cement usage between the groups (P > 0.05). The SMI in RBP group (27.3 ± 5.1) was significantly lower compared to that in Control group (36.8 ± 3.2) (P < 0.05). Sarcopenia was present in 19 patients (20.3%) in RBP group, which was significantly more than that in Control group (P < 0.05). C7-SVA and TPA was significantly larger in the RBP group than in the Control group (P < 0.05). PI and LL was significantly smaller in the RBP group compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences between the two groups with respect to TK, SS and PT (P > 0.05). Conclusion Poor sagittal parameters and sarcopenia in OVCF patients after PVP were more prone to residual back pain. Larger C7-SVA, TPA and PI-LL mismatch could increase the incidence of RBP in elderly patients with single-segment osteoporotic compression fractures.

The factors affecting neurological outcomes with unilateral open-door laminoplasty have been controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the characteristics of ectopic bone on poor neurological outcomes after unilateral open-door laminoplasty. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 112 patients who underwent unilateral open-door laminoplasty from September 2017 to September 2020. According to the Japanese Orthopedic Association score recovery rate after surgery (Japanese Orthopedic Association recovery rate ≥ 50% and < 50%, respectively), all patients were divided into “poor” and “good” groups. The characteristics of ectopic bone and the position relationship between the open side and ectopic bone (for lateral ossification) in the two groups were compared and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors for poor neurological outcome. We identified patients with a mean age of 58.39 years and a mean follow-up of 25.43 months. Sixty (53.6%) patients experienced recovery of poor neurological function. On univariable analysis, significant predictors of poor neurological recovery were occupation rate of spinal canal > 60% (p = 0.000), ossification extending to C2 (p = 0.006), lateral ossification (p = 0.032) and opening side on the ipsilateral side of the ectopic bone (p = 0.011). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the occupation rate of spinal canal > 60% (P = 0.003), ossification extending to C2 (P = 0.041) and opening the door on the ipsilateral side for lateral ossification (P = 0.013) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of neurological function. An occupation ratio > 60% is the most important risk factor. Another one is ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament extending to C2. Meanwhile, opening the door on the ipsilateral side is indeed a risk factor for lateral ossification. Better neurological function may be obtained by choosing the opposite side of the heterotopic bone as the open side. Therefore, the design of the surgical plan should comprehensively consider these factors.