Neck pain is a common problem that results from various factors. Surgery can help relieve neck pain, but doctors use it as the last option. Neck spine surgery helps to alleviate certain cases of neck pain. Your doctor may recommend neck spine surgery Savannah if other treatments are ineffective or you have persistent severe neck pain. The most common neck conditions that may need neck spine surgery include a pinched nerve, spinal cord compression, and a broken neck. There are different types of neck surgeries depending on the cause of your condition, your surgeon’s recommendation, and your personal preference. These surgeries include:
Cervical spinal fusion
Cervical spinal fusion involves your surgeon joining two vertebrae into a single, stable piece of bone. The surgery involves your specialist making an incision at the front or back of your neck and inserting a bone graft in the affected area. A bone graft can be from a donor or a part of your body, like a hip bone. Your surgeon uses metal screws or plates to hold the two vertebrae together, which eventually grow together, providing stabilization. A cervical spinal fusion can be beneficial for severe cervical fractures, pinched nerves, or compressed spinal discs.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)
Doctors use anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to treat a pinched nerve or spinal cord compression. The surgery involves your surgeon making an incision at the front of your neck and removing the disc, causing pressure or any surrounding bone spurs. The surgeon then performs a spinal fusion to give stability to the region. ACDF can help relieve pressure on the nerve or spinal cord.
Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF)
Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion are similar to ACDF and treat spinal cord compression. Surgeons recommend if you have bone spurs that a technique like ACDF cannot remove. Anterior cervical corpectomy involves your surgeon making a cut at the front of your neck and removing all or part of the front area of the vertebra and any surrounding bone spurs. No disc is eliminated in this surgery. The surgeon then fills the left space using a small piece of bone and spinal fusion.
Artificial disc replacement
Artificial disc replacement treats a pinched nerve in your neck. It involves your surgeon removing the disc, applying pressure to the nerve, and then inserting an artificial implant to replace the eliminated disc. The implant your surgeon uses can be all metal or a combination of metal and plastic. Artificial disc replacement helps you retain some neck flexibility and range of motion. This surgery is not recommended if you have severe neck arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy
Posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy helps treat a pinched nerve. Your surgeon makes an incision in the back of your neck and uses special tools to eliminate part of your lamina. The surgeon removes any additional bone or tissue pressing on the irritated nerve. Unlike other surgeries like ACDF, posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy does not need a spinal fusion, allowing you to retain more neck flexibility. Your surgeon can do this treatment through minimally invasive methods.
Neck spine surgery helps relieve severe or long-term neck pain. It can help treat a pinched nerve, compressed spinal cord, or broken neck. Schedule an appointment at Spine Center Atlanta for neck spine surgery to relieve your persistent neck pain.
