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Cervical Spine Surgery Procedures

Several types of cervical spine surgery procedures are normally considered after a patient has been treated through minimally invasive procedures, such as physical therapy or epidural injections. When a patient is told that cervical spine surgery is the next step in her treatment plan, it is normal to have a variety of questions. Often, there is more than one option available.

  1. Before Surgery

    • Many doctors will prescribe at least 3 months of conservative spine treatment prior to considering surgery as an option.

    Endoscopic Surgery

    • Endoscopic procedures are less invasive and have a shorter recovery time. A foraminotomy is often done if a patient is having arm pain, due to the compression of nerves. This procedure is designed to enlarge the space where the nerve root exists and remove bone spurs that might be pressing on the nerve. Rather than the entire disc being removed, only the fragment that presses on the nerve root is taken out. Minimally invasive techniques normally do not require large incisions and smaller cuts are used during the operation.

    Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

    • If there is spinal cord compression involved, the surgery normally involves removing part of the disc. Normally done through the front of the neck, the surgery is called an anterior discectomy. In this procedure, the ruptured disc is removed through a small incision. If the surgeon chooses to fill it with a bone graft, a fusion may be necessary and the surgeon fills the disc space with a donated bone or one from the patient so that the vertebrae fuse together. Often, the surgeon will choose to use a titanium plate and screw for added stability and to assist in the fusion.

    Spinal Disc Replacement

    • Spinal disc replacement is rare and a new surgery option that is used to treat back pain and to avoid a spinal fusion. This is not a common surgery and long-term studies have not been completed to determine success rates.

    Considerations

    • When considering your options, speak with your surgeon about what the procedure involves, how to prepare, and ask questions about your recovery time. Often times, specific recommendations are provided based on the patient's lifestyle.

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