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Reasons for a Cervical Spinal Fusion

A cervical spinal fusion involves removing a disc from between the vertebrae and filling the space left with bone taken from the pelvis. This bone graft causes the vertebrae between which it is placed to grow together (fuse).

  1. Types of Cervical Spinal Fusion

    • In anterior cervical fusion, the bone graft is placed in the front of the vertebra, and in posterior fusion, the bone graft is placed on the back side of the vertebrae.

    Reasons for Anterior Cervical Fusion

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, an anterior cervical fusion is done for two reasons: to remove pressure from the nerve roots caused by bone spurs or herniated disc or to stop the motion between two vertebrae.

    Reasons for Posterior Cervical Fusion

    • According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, posterior cervical spinal fusion is rare and usually used only for spine fractures.

    Possible Complications

    • Because this neck surgery is done near the spine and spinal cord, serious complications can occur, including but not limited to post-surgical pain and limitation and the need for additional surgery.

    Considerations

    • Although spinal fusion has traditionally involved a bone graft as described here, in recent years some spinal fusion surgery has been done using a metal plate and screws.

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