Cervical Discectomy Scope

POSTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION SURGERY

What is a posterior cervical procedure?
The primary goal of a posterior cervical procedure is to relieve pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord in the cervical spine using a surgical approach through the back of the body.

Posterior Cervical Spine

How is a posterior cervical procedure performed?
During surgery, the patient lies face down. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin on the back of the neck over the vertebra(e) to be treated.

Accessing the posterior cervical spine

Depending on the site of compression, removal of the lamina as well as removal of bone spurs may be performed where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal.

Axial view of the cervical spine
There are different types of fixation that may be placed in the neck to help promote posterior cervical fusion.

Screw and Rod Fixation

Screws or hooks and rods are used to hold the spinal column in place while fusion occurs or to provide stability. The screws are inserted into the left and right sides of the vertebrae to be fused. A rod connects the screws to stabilize the spine on each side. Caps secure each screw to the rod.

Bone graft may be added along the side of the vertebrae to help with fusion. Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon closes the incision and moves the patient into recovery.

Over time, the vertebrae can grow together through fusion. Complete fusion varies among patients and can take a few months to a couple of years.

Posterior Cervical Screws and Rods

Laminoplasty Plate

Laminoplasty is a surgical procedure in which the lamina is repositioned to relieve the symptoms caused by spinal cord compression. The lamina is a bony structure at the rear of the vertebra. Each vertebra includes two laminae that form the roof over the spinal canal to protect the back of the spinal cord.

Decompression is achieved by opening and elevating the lamina to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord. The surgeon lifts one side of the lamina to widen the spinal canal and relieve pressure.

To hold the lamina open, the surgeon may insert an implant such as a laminoplasty plate.