For those who wonder what anterior cervical discectomy actually is, this article is going to reveal about it along with more information related to it. This is something that is carried out for the purpose of relieving pain that is usually due to the pressure that takes place on people's spinal cord or nerve roots. This operation is usually carried out on the upper spine of those who suffer from neck pain. The necessary procedures to be carried out in this case can be figured out by paying attention to the term anterior cervical discectomy. Anterior represents front, cervical means neck and discectomy, as always, means cutting out a disc.
Anterior cervical discectomy usually works following these procedures. First, it creates an incision measuring about 2 inches horizontally on either right or left side of the sufferers' neck. Retractors will then separate soft tissues and neck muscles apart. This way, it is possible for surgeon to perform the tasks on the spine front. It is also necessary to split those thin muscles of platysma that exists under the skin in alignment compared to the incision of the skin. It is then that the spot existing between strap and sternocleidomastiod muscles is entered.
Then, an area between carotid sheath and esophagus/trachea is entered. The spine covered with thin fascia is then dissected away from the disc space where a needle is then inserted and X-ray is performed to make sure the surgeon has got the spine level accurately.
In most cases, it is necessary to use a magnifier glass or a microscope to carry out the dissection. This is to help visualize those anatomic structures that come in very small sizes. The next procedure is then to shave a bone layer off those flat surfaces that can be located on the 2 vertebrae. This is when bleeding will occur so that the bone is able to graft heal and join the other bones in existence.
An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery is used to help treat damaged cervical discs. The surgery can be performed from the neck to the lower back. An anterior surgery means that the doctor performs the surgery from the front rather than the back. Many people get this surgery when dealing with damaged neck discs, and the doctor is able to go through the throat area rather than having to cut open the back.
This is the first benefit of having this surgery. By going through the throat, the doctor does not have to try to bypass the spinal cord and nerves in order to locate the correct neck discs. An anterior surgery allows the spinal cord to remain undisturbed during the surgery. Read below for more benefits of undergoing this surgery.
If you're suffering from compressed nerves and damaged cervical discs, you've probably experienced everything from shooting pains to numbness and tingling. You may also get headaches on a regular basis. To reduce pain and manage your health, you may take anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, and have regular injections of steroids or nerve blocking medication.
The anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery can help alleviate the number of medications you take by removing the disc or discs that is causing nerve compression. Once the discs are removed, you may find that you experience fewer headaches, have a reduction in numbness, and are better able to manage any pain that occurs post-surgery. This will decrease the amount of medications you take to manage your pain.
Another benefit of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery is that the doctor can remove discs that are causing spinal deterioration. This can prevent future problems of your spinal cord and nerves. The surgery will also reduce compression of the nerves. Compressed nerves are responsible for the numbness and tingling you feel in your legs, arms, and neck when you have a herniated disc. By releasing compression you reduce the chance of paralysis, and over time the numbness may be completely eliminated.
If you have more than one spinal condition, your surgeon may be able to perform more than one procedure using the anterior surgery. This allows you to get treatment for multiple symptoms with only one surgery. Your surgeon will tell you if this surgery will benefit your condition and the results you can expect post-surgery.