Prognosis of Patient After Cervical Discectomy With Fusion

The cervical spine is composed of muscles, bones, ligaments, joints and nerve endings. An anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is a surgical procedure that relieves the pressure caused when a herniated disc or bone spur places presses against nerve roots and/or the cervical (neck) spine. This condition is also known as a nerve root compression. Root compression can be serious because when pressure is placed on the nerves of the spinal cord as they pass through the cervical spine (neck), it can adversely affect the nerves that control the arms, chest, abdomen and legs as they pass from the brain through the neck to the rest of the body.

Common Causes

• According to the article NeckSurgery.com, by the age of 50, approximately 50 percent of the population experiences degeneration of the cervical spine. These intervertebral discs act as "shock absorbers" between the vertebral bodies of the neck. As we age, these discs can degenerate, or wear out, and herniate (collapse). In addition to age, a variety of factors, including injury, poor posture and diseases such as arthritis, can compromise the health of the cervical spine.

Common Symptoms

• Common symptoms include discomfort or pain in the neck, shoulder and arms as well as a lack of coordination and numbness or weakness in the arms, forearms or fingers. Patients who suffer from these symptoms are potential candidates for the surgical procedure known as a cervical discectomy with fusion.

How Fusing Stabilizes the Spine

• The surgeon makes a small incision on one side of the patient's neck, then determines the extent of the disc degeneration. The disc, and sometimes a portion of the bone around the nerve roots or spinal cord, is removed. This creates additional space within the spine. The surgeon then grafts a small section of bone from the patient's hip and uses it to fuse together two or more vertebrae. Sometimes, instead, a small metal plate is implanted between the vertebrae and the disc space to help stabilize the spine. After the surgery, these metal plates can help decrease the amount of time a patient may have to wear a cervical collar. These metal plates can also help increase the likelihood of a successful fusion.

Prognosis

• A successful recovery depends on many factors, including your general health, the success of the bone graft and the type of post-op exercise and treatment plan your doctor prescribes for you. According to SpineUniverse.com, patients who undergo cervical surgery usually experience "rapid recovery and quickly return to activities of daily living with marked improvement of their symptoms."

Other Treatment Options

• According to the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center website, anterior cervical discectomy fusion is recommended when other, nonoperative treatment measures, such as chiropractic care, physical therapy, steroid injections and Pilates-based exercises, have failed to provide sufficient, long-term pain relief.