Imaging

• Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  
• Cervical spine computed tomography (CT) (to evaluate for ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament)
  
• Cervical spine flexion-extension plain films

Equipment

• Choose laminoplasty system: ceramic spacers, titanium miniplates, etc.
  
• Operating loupes or microscope

Spinal Monitoring

• Somatosensory evoked potentials and electromyography monitoring are commonly used in cervical myelopathy cases

• General endotracheal anesthesia, consider fiberoptic intubation
  
• Review specific anesthetic management (e.g., no paralytics for monitoring nerve roots).
  
• Spinal monitoring leads should be placed prior to positioning. In cases of myelopathy or severe canal stenosis, baseline somatosensory evoked potentials are often obtained prior to positioning.
  
• Foley catheter is generally inserted.
  
• Intravenous antibiotics are administered.