Cervical surgery
Surgical interventions present a wide range of indications and needs to correct acute or chronic problems.
With regard to spinal surgical treatment, thanks to advances in biomedical sciences, engineering, as well as improvements in protocols and the quality of imaging tests, it is now possible to make full predictions before an intervention regarding the material that will be required, the approximate surgical time, and to improve the choice of a less aggressive approach, treating the pathology completely, allowing us to achieve an effectiveness that was difficult to imagine a few decades ago.
What is cervical surgery?
It is a surgical procedure performed at the cervical level to treat disc pathologies accompanied by neurological compression of the nerves or spinal canal. It also includes bone formation (osteophytes), whether or not accompanied by compressive disc involvement.
Indications for cervical surgery
This intervention is indicated for painful conditions associated with pathology of the intervertebral discs or osteophytes at the cervical level.
The injuries can produce various symptoms or even be asymptomatic, but they can be associated with changes in the biomechanics of the cervical spine and limit its mobility or promote the formation of joint degeneration, forming osteophytes that, in severe and complex conditions, can be accompanied by neurological involvement or myelopathy.
How is cervical surgery performed?
It is performed in an operating room under general anesthesia, for which a preoperative study with the anesthesiologist is necessary and can be performed a few days before.
During the procedure, a fluoroscope is also used to locate the area to be treated, marking it before introducing the surgical materials and instruments, and using it to monitor the procedure to avoid errors and treat unaffected segments.
The procedure typically takes an average of 60-90 minutes and involves central and foraminal recalibration with the placement of a fixed interbody cage or cervical prosthesis, releasing the nerves, and removing any disc or bone tissue that may be causing compression.
Recommendations before and after cervical surgery
Before performing this procedure, a proper medical evaluation and the use of a soft cervical collar are recommended.
The procedure has different protocols that will be specified according to the patient's health status. It offers a rapid response, allowing discharge the day after the procedure.
Rest recommendations for 15 days will be given, as well as medical treatment to treat the inflammation caused by the procedure.
Follow-up to cervical surgery
Follow-up will be performed 15 days later to assess proper healing of the surgical wound, as well as an X-ray examination for comparison with those taken on the day of the procedure.
During this period, it is recommended that the soft collar be worn permanently. Consultations with the surgical team will be held one and three months after surgery to assess the consolidation of the material and initiate treatment in conjunction with the physiotherapy team. The patient's response and clinical and radiological status can be assessed at all times, if necessary.
Recuerda que esta información está hecha con fines de divulgación y que sólo un especialista en columna vertebral, indicará cual es el tratamiento oportuno para tu problema de columna vertebral.
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