Why is this procedure done?
The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. These bones are lined up on top of each other. In between the bones there are discs. They have a spongy middle and act like shock absorbers. Sometimes, small growths form on the bones in your neck. These are called bone spurs. They can put too much pressure on your spinal cord and nerves. You may have pain, tingling, and numbness. ‚
Back surgery to remove a vertebra and discs nearby is corpectomy. It is done to take pressure off the spinal cord and nerves. A bone graft is used to rebuild the spine. ‚
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What will the results be?
After surgery, you should have less pain or other signs. You should be able to move more easily too. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- What time you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are completely asleep.
- If your own bone is to be used for the bone graft, a cut is made over the hip to access bone for the graft. Sometimes, the bone is taken from the lower leg.
- Your doctor will make a cut on the side of your neck. The discs above and below the problem vertebra are taken out. The middle part of the vertebra is also taken out.
- The grafted bone is put in place where the old bone was taken out. In time, this will join with the bone that was not removed.
- A metal plate and screws will be used to give extra support.
- An x-ray is taken to make sure the graft is in the right position.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The length of the procedure is based on the type of surgery. It is often 1 to 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- Your doctor may put you in a neck brace or halo vest. This will help to hold your spine in place while you heal.
- You may need to stay in the hospital for 3 to 5 days, based on your condition.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Do weight-bearing and strengthening exercises as directed by your doctor or therapist.
- Keep a healthy weight. This can help prevent straining and pressure on your lower back.
- Practice good ways to lift things so that you do not hurt your spine. Part of your physical therapy will be to teach you how to move and lift more effectively.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Damage to nerves or spinal cord
- Trachea or esophagus damage
- Graft does not stay in place
- Pain comes back
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00539 ‚
KnowYourBack.org ‚
http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/Treatments/SurgicalOptions/AnteriorCervicalFusion.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚