Cervical Spine Surgery

What is Cervical Spine Surgery?

What is Cervical Spine Surgery?

Cervical spine surgery aims to alleviate neck pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness by restoring nerve function and preventing abnormal motion in the neck. The procedure involves the removal of a disc or bone, followed by the fusion of vertebrae using a bone graft, which can be either an autograft or allograft. Stabilisation with metal plates and screws may be employed if necessary, known as instrumentation. Alternatively, cervical disc replacement offers motion preservation as an alternative option.

Why do you undergo Cervical Spine Surgery?

Cervical spine surgery may be indicated for degenerative disorders, trauma, or instability, leading to pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Conditions Treated with Cervical Spine Surgery:

  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Cervical Deformity
  • Craniovertebral Junction Abnormalities
  • Prolapsed Intervertebral Disc
  • Cervical Compressive Myelopathy

Approaches to Cervical Spine Surgery

Anterior Approach:

  • Small cosmetic incision using a surgical microscope.
  • Minimises blood loss, post-surgery pain, and speeds up recovery.
  • Removes and replaces diseased discs or vertebrae.

Posterior Approach:

  • Used for conditions like cranio-cervical instability and trauma-related instability.
  • Patients can start walking on the evening of surgery and resume activities in about 15 days.

Safety of Cervical Spine Surgery

While the success rate of cervical spine surgery is high, complications have been reported. The most common complication is a dural tear (a tear in the protective covering of the spinal cord), with an incidence of only 0.77%. C5 palsy (temporary paralysis in one or both arms) is the second most common, with an incidence of 0.42%. Although complications are generally rare, the risk may vary based on the specific type of neck surgery undergone.

Uplift Your Well-Being with Expert Cervical Spine Care from Dr. Kaushal Deep Singh!

Receive specialised care from Dr. Kaushal Deep Singh in Aligarh for cervical spine conditions and injuries, enhancing your quality of life. Dr. Singh provides exceptional diagnostic and treatment solutions, placing your health at the forefront. Book your appointment now to access precise and prompt medical attention.

FAQs

Conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, and pain management injections are explored first. Surgery is recommended when these haven't provided sufficient relief or if symptoms worsen.

Your medical history, symptoms, and pain will be discussed. You'll undergo a physical examination and likely imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. The surgeon will explain your diagnosis, treatment options, risks and benefits, and recovery expectations.

Surgery duration varies depending on the complexity and technique used. It can range from 1-4 hours on average.

Post-surgical pain is normal and managed with medication and pain management techniques. Dr. Singh will discuss and adjust them as needed throughout your recovery.

The timeline depends on the surgery and your recovery progress. Dr. Singh provides specific guidance on activity restrictions and a gradual return to your desired routines.

Dr. Singh's team provides comprehensive post-surgical care, including regular checkups, pain management support, and referrals to physical therapy and rehabilitation programs.