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Cervical Discectomy Vs. Fusion

Cervical discectomy and cervical fusion are two surgical techniques designed to address pain and instability in the bones (vertebrae) of the neck. Surgeons frequently use the two procedures in combination.

  1. Cervical Discectomy

    • Cervical discectomy involves surgical removal of ruptured or damaged cushioning discs in the neck vertebrae. Anterior cervical discectomy--which requires accessing the neck vertebrae from the throat area--is the most common form of this procedure, according to SpineUniverse.com.

    Neck Instability

    • Disc removal can destabilize the neck, according to SpineUniverse.com. Surgeons may reinforce the neck with a cervical fusion procedure.

    Cervical Fusion

    • During cervical fusion, surgeons take small pieces of bone called bone grafts and insert them between the affected vertebrae, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Over time, these grafts will fuse to the vertebrae and provide proper neck stability.

    Bone Graft Support

    • In some cases, new bone grafts heal without additional supports, according to the UMMC. In other cases, surgeons may use screws, rods or metal plates to hold bone grafts in place and aid the fusion process.

    Considerations

    • The UMMC notes that bone grafts may come from the patient's hip or from donor bone banks. Bone bank materials undergo rigorous disease testing before use in a fusion procedure.

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