Cervical disc herniation surgery typically involves one of the following procedures, depending on the patient’s specific condition:
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Anesthesia: To ensure the patient remains completely comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery, general anesthesia is administered. This eliminates any sensation or awareness, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure without the patient feeling discomfort or pain, and also helps minimize any anxiety related to the operation.
Incision: A small incision is carefully made on the front of the neck, providing access to the affected cervical disc. This location allows the surgeon to reach the spine with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues. The incision is strategically placed to ensure both effectiveness and discreet, minimal scarring post-surgery.
Disc Removal: The surgeon removes the damaged or herniated disc from between the cervical vertebrae. This step is crucial for relieving pressure on the nearby nerve roots, which can cause pain, weakness, or numbness. By removing the damaged disc, the surgeon helps restore the natural alignment and function of the spine.
Fusion: After disc removal, a bone graft or synthetic material is used to fuse the adjacent vertebrae together. This fusion stabilizes the spine and prevents movement between the vertebrae, promoting long-term healing. Over time, the bone graft or synthetic material helps the vertebrae to grow together, ensuring stability and reducing future pain.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered at the beginning of the procedure to ensure that the patient remains unconscious and free from pain throughout the surgery. This allows the surgical team to perform the operation with precision and care while the patient remains relaxed and unaware of the process.
Incision and Disc Removal: A small incision is made at the front of the neck to access the affected disc. The herniated disc is carefully removed, and a prosthetic disc is implanted in its place. This artificial disc helps maintain the necessary motion between the vertebrae, ensuring proper alignment and function.Surgical Approach: The prosthetic disc is designed to replicate the natural motion and flexibility of a healthy cervical disc. This approach helps preserve the range of motion in the neck and minimizes the risk of additional degeneration in the surrounding discs. The goal is to restore spine function and alleviate pain while maintaining overall spinal health.