TREATMENTS
ANTERIOR DISCECTOMY AND FUSION
Anterior Discectomy and Fusion is surgery done to extract a broken disc in the neck.
Anterior Discectomy and Fusion
Anterior Discectomy and Fusion is surgery done to extract a broken disc in the neck. First, an incision is created in the section of the throat, and the herniated disc is removed. Afterwards, surgeons place a graft to connect and secure the ends of the bone together. Using a natural or synthetic graft to support the vertebral structure is what we refer to as spinal fusion surgery. In addition, removing an injured disc in the neck treats pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the area.
An anterior discectomy is decompression surgery done from the front of the patient’s neck. An injured or broken disc is removed from the cervical spine. Dr Makan will perform a spinal fusion to safely secure the cervical portion at the time of the procedure. He may decide to use a graft or implant to connect the remaining bone and promote stability in the region.
When is Anterior Discectomy and Fusion required?
In most cases, Dr Makan performs anterior discectomy and fusion in the event of a herniated disc. Still, he may decide to carry this out when bone spurs or osteophytes form, which may crush nerves and cause pain.
Procedure
Surgery is performed from the front of the neck, which allows easy access to the damaged disc. Dr Makan will view the area entirely, looking out for problems related to stenosis and nerve and spinal cord compression. First, he creates an incision at the front of the neck, severs a fine vestigial muscle and follows the anatomic planes to the spine area. After removing the fibrous tissue that conceals the spine, Dr Makan conducts fluoroscopy to see the spine properly and identify the damaged disc. First, he cuts through the outer shell (annulus) and then removes the soft, inner nucleus. Dr Makan then carries out decompression surgery to relieve pressure in the area.
Recovery
One of the benefits of this surgery is that there is a lot less post-operative pain due to the nature and region of the incision.
FAQ
Dr Makan performs disc dissection from the front of the posterior longitudinal ligament that rests between the spinal disc and cord. He separates the muscles to access the lamina. X-ray imaging ensures that Dr Makan has found the affected vertebrae. Using a special drill, he removes the thick ligament (Ligamentum Flavum) and may choose to create a hole above and underneath the spinal nerve, thereby reducing compression.
You have to wait at least six weeks after decompression surgery before attending physical therapy sessions. Sometimes exercises at home are just as efficient, but Dr Makan will advise what is most appropriate.
The best position to sleep in would be on your back with your knees bent or on your side with bent knees. These sleeping positions help alleviate pain after spinal fusion surgery.