Application of oscillating saw for lumbar en-bloc laminectomy: a case series

Objects: An oscillating bone saw has been used rarely to perform laminectomy. The purpose of ‎this study is to describe a relatively quick and harmless technique for multilevel laminectomy in ‎patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) by means of an oscillating bone saw in addition to ‎reporting the matters those entail this technique and surgery-associated features as well. ‎ Methods: In a prospective study, 45 LSS patients who required multilevel laminectomy were ‎included. The bones were cut using an oscillating sagittal saw equipped with a fine 1 cm blade. ‎Posterolateral fusion was performed if any evidence of spinal instability occurred or correction of ‎deformity was addressed. The spent time for laminectomy from initial cutting to whole bone ‎removal (T1) and the duration of laminectomy initiation to the end of decompression (T2) for ‎corresponding level were recorded. Furthermore, the volume of harvested autograft was ‎measured. Any dural injuries were reported.‎ Results: Posterolateral fusion was performed in 32 patients (71.1%). T1 per level and T2 per level ‎averaged 70.5±5.4s and 157.5±12.1s, respectively. The volume of harvested autograft per level ‎averaged 3.5±1.2 cc. No durotomy was observed during laminectomy using an oscillating bone ‎saw. However, a dural tear occurred in one patient when a Kerisson punch was utilized for ‎ligamentum flavum removal and foraminotomy.‎ Conclusion: Laminectomy using an oscillating bone saw is a safe procedure that provides a ‎sufficient volume of harvested autograft for fusion. In our experience, this technique can ‎remarkably reduce the time of surgery as well.‎