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Procedures

Cervical Decompression

Cervical decompression surgery is a procedure aimed at relieving nerve compression in the neck. The cervical section of the spine, which supports the neck, starts at the base of the skull. During the surgery, a small section of the bone that compresses the nerve root is removed, allowing the nerve root to heal and alleviate pressure. Sometimes, fragments of material from the spine that are lodged under the nerve root are also removed.

Conditions Treated

Cervical decompression is primarily done to treat conditions affecting the cervical spine, including:

  • Cervical stenosis
    Cervical stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck, leading to compression of the spinal cord and nerves.
  • Herniated disc
    Herniated discs occur when the soft inner material of a spinal disc protrudes through the tough outer layer, potentially causing compression on nearby nerves.
  • Degenerative disc disease
    Degenerative disc disease involves the gradual deterioration of spinal discs, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
  • Spinal cord compression
    Scoliosis-related pain may be caused by compression of nerves in the spine or muscle fatigue. Muscular fatigue can occur when muscles on the side opposite the abnormal curvature work extra hard to maintain good posture.
  • Numbness and weakness in the legs
    Conditions causing direct compression on the spinal cord, such as tumors or bone spurs, may be treated with cervical decompression. The procedure aims to remove or address the source of compression.
  • Traumatic injuries
    Traumatic injuries, such as fractures or dislocations of the cervical spine, may require cervical decompression to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

Surgery is typically only recommended in severe causes of compression, or if non-surgical therapies have failed to provide adequate relief.

Procedure Overview

Decompression surgery is the umbrella term for several different procedures that relieve pressure on the nerves using various approaches and techniques. The main techniques used at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis include:

  • Foraminotomy
    To alleviate pressure on compressed nerves, this surgery enlarges the foraminal space, the openings allowing nerve bundles to travel throughout the body.
  • Laminotomy
    By creating an opening in the lamina, the protective bone covering the spinal canal, this procedure provides more room and alleviates nerve pressure.
  • Laminoplasty
    Designed as a hinge mechanism, laminoplasty relieves neural pressure. Surgeons make incisions on both sides of the lamina and insert a spacer, made of bone, metal, or plastic, to keep the spinal canal open.
  • Corpectomy
    When cervical stenosis affects multiple discs, this procedure involves removing the affected vertebral body and discs to relieve pressure and restore comfort.
  • Microdiscectomy
    Employing minimally invasive techniques, microdiscectomy involves removing a small section of bone and disc material to relieve nerve compression and encourage healing.
  • Cervical laminectomy
    This highly common surgery for cervical stenosis focuses on releasing nerve compression by removing a small section of the lamina, which is the back part of the vertebrae. To restore stability, the remaining spinal bones are securely connected using titanium metal rods and screws.

In cases where a significant amount of bony structures pressing on the nerve need to be removed, the stability of the spine may be affected. To address this, cervical decompression surgery may be combined with cervical fusion surgery. This additional procedure permanently joins the vertebrae together, preventing excessive movement and correcting the instability.

Treatment

Recovery after a cervical decompression can vary depending on the specific procedure performed, the individual’s overall health, and other factors. Typically, hospital stays are short, ranging from one to a few days. Pain at the surgical site is common initially. Restrictions on certain physical activities may be in place both initially and for the first few weeks of recovery. Patients will most likely start a physical therapy program to help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor progress and address any concerns.

By addressing cervical compression, spinal stenosis, and other spine conditions, cervical decompression surgery aims to alleviate symptoms and improve the overall quality of life for patients. To learn more about this procedure, schedule an appointment at Avramis Spine & Scoliosis.
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