Neck Surgery

Back Surgery and Neck Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:17 -0800

Spine surgery introduction

Cervical Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Conditions treated by cervical spine surgery

Cervical spine surgery is generally performed on an elective basis to treat either:

Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Spine Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Procedure for anterior cervical corpectomy spine surgery

When the cervical disease encompasses more than just the disc space, the spine surgeon may recommend removal of the vertebral body as well as the disc spaces at either end, to completely decompress the cervical canal. This procedure, a corpectomy, is often done for multi-level cervical stenosis with spinal cord compression caused by bone spur (osteophytes) growth.

The general procedure for anterior cervical corpectomy surgery is as follows:

Anterior Cervical Decompression and Spine Fusion for Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 09:40:19 -0800

Benefits of anterior decompression and spine fusion surgery

In the past, cervical laminectomy (removing the posterior aspects of the spinal canal) to decompress (relieve pressure on) the spinal cord had been the procedure of choice to treat spondylotic myelopathy resulting from cervical arthritis.

Anterior cervical decompression and spine fusion procedure

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:21:10 -0800

The decompression and spine fusion surgery is performed with the patient in the supine position under general anesthesia. Usual requirements include adequate padding of bony and soft tissue structures. Sequential compression boots are applied to the patient's lower extremities to avoid development of blood clots during the operation.

Most spine surgeons prefer to use Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SSEPs) or Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) to monitor spinal cord function during the surgery. However, this is not essential.

Anterior Cervical Spinal Fusion Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Understanding cervical spinal fusion

Cervical Foraminal Stenosis

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:16:19 -0800

Types of pain from cervical stenosis (foraminal stenosis)

Cervical foraminal stenosis (narrowing of the cervical disc space) may arise without any disc herniation. The majority of symptoms are usually caused by one nerve root on one side. Typically, the condition is characterized by the following:

Considerations for a Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:23 -0800

There are a number of factors that are important in considering cervical disc replacement vs. a traditional decompression and fusion surgery. Perhaps the most important consideration is that longer term studies and follow-up will be needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of cervical disc replacement. At present, most of the information on the discs remains theoretical.

Posterior cervical decompression (microdiscectomy) surgery

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Some spine surgeons may prefer the posterior approach (from the back of the neck) for a cervical discectomy. This approach is often considered for large soft disc herniations that are lateral to (to the side of) the spinal cord.

The principal advantage of the posterior approach is that a spine fusion does not need to be done after removing the disc.
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Posterior Cervical Laminectomy

spine-health — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:03:18 -0800

Top Back Surgery Topics:

Back/Neck Surgery Intro

Microdiscectomy

Lumbar Laminectomy

Cervical Spine Surgery

Lumbar Spinal Fusion

Spine Surgery for a Cervical Herniated Disc

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:26:49 -0800

Most episodes of arm pain due to a cervical herniated disc will resolve over a period of weeks to a couple of months. However, if the pain lasts longer than 6 to 12 weeks, or if the pain and disability is severe, spine surgery may be a reasonable option.

Spine surgery for a cervical herniated disc is generally very reliable and can be done with a minimal amount of postoperative pain and morbidity (unwanted aftereffects).

Treatment Options for Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

spine-health — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 21:31:46 -0800

More Neck Pain Info

Chronic Neck Pain

Types of Neck Pain

Cervical Myelopathy

Spondylosis Information

Back and Neck Surgery

Both conservative (non-surgical) and surgical approaches are available to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy.