Cervical spine fusion surgery is a procedure that is used to treat problems in the neck (cervical) region of the spine. The cervical spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other and separated by discs. The purpose of cervical spine fusion surgery is to join two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine and reduce pain.
Cervical spine fusion surgery is typically recommended for people who have neck pain or instability due to degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal deformities, or fractures. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and it takes several hours to complete.
During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the neck to access the affected vertebrae. The surgeon may remove any damaged or diseased tissue, such as a herniated disc, and then use screws, rods, or other hardware to stabilize the spine. The surgeon may also use bone grafts to help the vertebrae fuse together.
After the surgery, the patient will typically need to stay in the hospital for a few days for recovery. Physical therapy may be needed to help the patient regain strength and mobility in the neck and upper body. Full recovery from cervical spine fusion surgery can take several months.
It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of cervical spine fusion surgery with a healthcare provider before deciding if this treatment is right for you.