If you have a condition in your neck that puts pressure on your spinal cord or spinal nerves, our surgeons may recommend cervical disc replacement.
About the cervical spine
The spine in your neck, called the cervical spine, has seven bones, called vertebrae. The front part of each vertebra is called the vertebral body, except for the first vertebra. Between most vertebrae there is a soft cushioning of cartilage called the invertebrate disc. The back of each vertebra has a curved section called the vertebral arch. Except for the first vertebra, each vertebral arch has a bony projection called the spinal process. On each side of the spinal process, there is a flat piece of bone called a lamina. The vertebral arch of the vertebra surrounds and protects your spinal cord, a column of fragile nerve tissue that connects your brain to other nerves in your body. Your spinal cord passes through a closed space called the vertebral canal, which is made up of the vertebral arches of your vertebra.
How did I develop cervical spine disc problems?
Over time, your cervical spine can develop problems, such as shrinkage of the disc, a herniated or ruptured disc, or bony growths on your vertebra, called bone spurs. These changes can narrow the spinal canal and put pressure on your spinal column or the nerves that branch from it. The pressure can cause neck pain and stiffness or pain, numbness, and weakness in your arms or hands.
The surgery
-Before surgery, an IV or IV line will be placed. You may receive antibiotics through a vein to decrease the chance of infections.
-You will be given anaesthesia to avoid pain during surgery.
-The surgeon will make an incision in your neck. The part of the cervical spine that contains the damaged disc will be exposed.
-The surgeon will remove the entire damaged disc. Next, your surgeon will remove all the bone spurs. The vertebrates above and below the removed disc will be cut to allow for the placement of an artificial disc.
-Finally, your surgeon will insert the artificial disc, which is fixed in placed without screws. The artificial disc is designed to preserve normal movement at this level of your spine. Your skin incision may be closed with surgical glue or skin suture tape.
This type of surgery is aimed at relieving pressure on the nerves permanently. The operation is performed using keyhole surgery techniques as a day case. If all goes well, you will walk in and walk out on the same day. The London Spine Unit is one of the few hospitals in the world that have the expertise and technology to do this operation as an outpatient procedure.
You might also want to read: Day Case Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery
Day case surgery
At Harley Street Hospital, we offer day case cervical disc replacement surgery performed by trained surgeons. This offers patients many benefits, such as the following:
-Shorter hospital stays.
-We apply local sedation instead of general anaesthesia (avoiding complications).
-Lower infection rates.
-Fewer post-surgery complications.
-Lower cost than those requiring an overnight stay.
-Less stress. Most patients prefer going home for recovery after surgery.
-Easier to schedule.
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When is cervical disc replacement indicated?
If you have a condition in your neck that puts pressure on your spinal cord or spinal nerves, your doctor may recommend cervical disc replacement.
How did I develop cervical spine disc degeneration?
Your cervical spine can develop problems naturally, after an injury, infection or genetic reasons. This can cause shrinkage of the disc, a herniated or ruptured disc, or bony growths on your vertebra, called bone spurs. These changes can narrow the spinal canal and put pressure on your spinal column or the nerves that branch from it. The pressure can cause neck pain and stiffness or pain, numbness, and weakness in your arms or hands.
What are the benefits of day case surgery?
Shorter hospital stay by avoiding overnight admission, we apply local sedation instead of general anaesthesia (avoiding complications), lower infection rates, fewer post-surgery complications, lower cost than those requiring an overnight stay, less stress, most patients prefer going home for recovery after surgery.