An anterior cervical corpectomy is performed for patients who have experienced degenerative changes in the cervical spine that have resulted in the formation of bone spurs (bony projections) and/or herniated discs. These changes can take up space needed by the spinal cord and nerves within the spinal canal.
When is a corpectomy indicated?
A corpectomy is indicated in compression of the spinal cord leading to spinal stenosis or cervical myelopathy.
Why would someone need an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?
An ACDF is usually performed for one or more of the following reasons: To treat pressure on the spinal cord (caused by a prolapsed or ruptured disc, or other causes of spinal canal narrowing) To treat pressure on one or more spinal nerve roots (caused by a disc prolapse or rupture, or foraminal stenosis or narrowing)
What is a corpectomy surgery?
Corpectomy = removal of damaged vertebrae and intervertebral disc (the “cushion” between the bones of the spine) A corpectomy is a procedure that removes damaged vertebrae and intervertebral discs that are compressing the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
How serious is neck fusion surgery?
No surgery is without risks. General complications of any surgery include bleeding, infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and reactions to anesthesia. If spinal fusion is done at the same time as a discectomy, there is a greater risk of complications.
How long a surgery is a corpectomy?
The total surgery time is approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the number of spinal levels involved.
What is a cervical corpectomy and fusion?
Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) is performed for patients with symptomatic, progressive cervical spinal stenosis and myelopathy. It is performed to remove the large, arthritic bone spurs that are compressing the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
How long does a corpectomy surgery take?
The corpectomy procedure altogether takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending upon the number of spinal vertebras affected.
When is corpectomy necessary?
Cervical corpectomy is an extensive surgery and is usually only recommended for patients with significant spinal cord problems that cannot be resolved with anterior cervical discectomy, and when symptoms such as severe pain, extreme muscle weakness, and difficulty with motor function are present.
What is a corpectomy defect?
Corpectomy is performed for patients with a structural lesion (most commonly disc herniations and bony spurs) compressing the spinal cord and nerve roots from the front. Structural bone graft spanning the corpectomy defect and anterior instrumentation is necessary to stabilize the spine and optimize healing potential.