Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

This procedure is performed on the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and, or nerves caused by a disc herniation and, or bone spurs. It is typically performed to alleviate neck pain and weakness, numbness, and tingling in the upper extremities. The cervical spine is accessed through a small incision in the front of the neck. After the soft tissues of the neck are separated, the affected disc and, or bone spurs are removed through microscopic vision. The space left between the vertebrae is often filled with a small piece of bone graft. Over time the vertebrae may fuse together.

Cervical Corpectomy

A cervical corpectomy is typically performed for cases involving multi-level cervical stenosis with spinal cord compression caused by bone spur growth. This procedure is done by removing a part of the vertebral body to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Cervical Laminectomy

A laminectomy involves removing the shingle-like portion of the vertebrae on the back of the spine. The procedure is accomplished through an incision on the back of the neck. This procedure is typically used to relieve compression of the spinal cord to alleviate symptoms of neck and arm pain or in severe cases progressive paralysis.

Posterior Cervical Fusion

This procedure can be performed in conjunction with a cervical laminectomy to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and affected nerve roots. The spine is accessed through an incision in the back of the neck, rods and screws are placed to allow for stabilization of the affected vertebrae. A bone matrix is then layed on back of the spine to allow fusion of the vertebrae.

Cervical Total Disc Replacement

The technique for disc replacement is similar to that used for an anterior discectomy. However, after the disc has been removed it is replaced with a mechanical prosthetic device which attempts to mimic the function of a normal intervertebral disc. There are several types of disc replacement devices available, but all share the goal of preserving motion. Not all patients are candidates for this procedure.