 | Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion |
What is an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion surgery?
An anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion surgery is a procedure that involves the removal of the vertebral discs or bones to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Neurosurgeons normally perform this procedure by approaching the cervical spine from the front of the neck.
When is an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion surgery needed?
An anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion surgery is recommended for patients who have experienced or are experiencing degenerative changes in the cervical spine. These changes may result in the formation of bone spurs or herniated discs, which lead to conditions such as spinal stenosis or the narrowing of the spinal canal.
Spinal stenosis may lead to the spinal cord and nerves being compressed, pinched, or injured. An anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion surgery may also be recommended for vertebrae that have been damaged due to trauma, tumours, infections or deformity. Spinal cord or nerve compression in the neck area may cause symptoms such as neck pain, numbness or weakness, which may radiate down to the arms. Surgery is normally recommended after conservative treatment have been exhausted.
What does anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion surgery entail?
During the procedure, you will be under general anaesthesia. The neurosurgeon will make a small incision on the front of your neck. He will then move the blood vessels, oesophagus and windpipe in order to gain access to your vertebrae.
During the procedure, you will be under general anaesthesia. The neurosurgeon will make a small incision on the neck and move aside muscles and other tissues in order to reveal and access the vertebrae. He will then remove the affected vertebrae discs and both the above and below discs. This process is called the decompression procedure, which will help relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
The neurosurgeon will then replace the removed vertebrae with an implant which may be a bone taken from another part of your body or a strut graft. He will then secure it in place with titanium screws and plates. This will provide strength and stability to the spine. As time goes on, the bone graft will fuse with your bones. After the procedure, the incision will be stitched closed and dressed with a gauze bandage.
