An anterior cervical corpectomy alleviates pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. Pressure on the spinal cord or nerves can occur from different causes. Some of these causes include bone spurs, tumors, and congenital abnormalities. This surgery can also help alleviate symptoms like neck pain. If you need an anterior cervical corpectomy, here is what you should know.
What Occurs in Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Surgery?
Anterior cervical corpectomy surgery is a type of neck surgical procedure. It is done to remove a vertebral body in the neck. Additionally, the intervertebral disc is removed during the surgery. This type of surgery is also called a corpectomy or a discectomy.
The surgeon will make an incision in the front of the neck and then remove a portion of the vertebrae. This will relieve pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. In some cases, a metal plate or cage may be used to stabilize the spine. The surgery usually takes about two hours to complete.
After the surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room and monitored for complications. You will then be moved to a hospital room where you will stay for several days.
You will likely have pain and discomfort after the surgery, but medication can control this. You must rest and avoid strenuous activity for several weeks while your spine heals.
When is Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Performed?
Anterior cervical corpectomy is a surgery to remove the front portion of the vertebrae in the cervical spine. Anterior cervical discectomy is a related procedure often discussed in the context of spinal surgeries. This procedure is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves through spinal fusion. Achieving good bony fusion is crucial for long-term stability after the surgery.
It is typically done for patients with degenerative conditions of the cervical spine, such as bone spurs or herniated discs.
The most common reason for this surgery is to treat spinal cord compression, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs. This surgery also treats other conditions such as degenerative disc disease, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, and giant cell tumors.
Recovery time varies depending on the individual, but most people can return to normal activities within six weeks. An x-ray will be taken after surgery to monitor the results. You will need to wear a neck collar for 4-6 weeks after surgery to support the neck muscles and allow the bone graft to heal properly. Neck exercises will be started 4-6 weeks after surgery.
Your spine surgeon will assess your progress to ensure that you heal correctly before starting exercises. Be careful to do only a little physical activity before you get approval from your doctor to ensure that your surgery has the best outcome.
Schedule A Spine Surgery Consultation
A spine surgery consultation is a meeting between you and a spine surgeon to discuss your treatment options. During the consultation, the surgeon will review your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also order tests, such as X-rays and MRI scans, to get a better look at your spine. After reviewing all this information, the surgeon can recommend a treatment plan, including an anterior cervical corpectomy.
If you are experiencing chronic pain in your spine, you may be a candidate for spine surgery. During a spine surgery consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your condition and discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Contact Orthopedic Laser Spine Surgery at (855) 853-6542 or fill out our online form.
Q&A
What is the purpose of an anterior cervical corpectomy spine surgery?
Anterior cervical corpectomy spine surgery is performed to remove part of the vertebral body and intervertebral discs in the cervical spine to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. This surgery is often used to treat conditions such as cervical spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and spinal cord compression, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
How does a spine surgeon stabilize the spine during cervical spine surgery?
During an anterior cervical corpectomy, a spine surgeon may use a metal plate or a cage to stabilize the spine after removing the vertebral body. In many cases, a bone graft is also placed to help fuse the vertebrae, promoting long-term stability through spinal fusion.
What conditions can cause pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the cervical spine?
Several conditions can put pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves in the cervical spine, leading to the need for surgery. Common causes include bone spurs (bony growths that form due to arthritis or degeneration), herniated discs, tumors, or congenital abnormalities in the spine.
How does a bone graft help in cervical spine surgery?
A bone graft is often used in cervical spine surgeries like a corpectomy to help fuse the vertebrae after the removal of a vertebral body. The graft promotes spinal fusion, providing structural support and ensuring long-term stability while the spine heals.
What is the recovery process like after anterior cervical corpectomy surgery?
After the surgery, you will typically need to wear a neck collar for 4-6 weeks to support the muscles and allow the bone graft to heal properly. A spine surgeon will monitor your recovery and assess the healing process, ensuring that the spinal fusion is progressing well. Most patients can expect to resume normal activities within six weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.