This operation is recommended for patients who have radiculopathy (shooting pains, numbness and/or weakness) of the arm(s) and do not respond to non-surgical treatment, or for patients who have compression of the spinal cord in the neck. Most patients will try pain medications and/or a CT guided injection prior to having surgery for radiculopathy. Dr Anderson will discuss the risks and benefits of proceeding with the operation during your consultation.
After having a full anaesthetic, an incision is made in the front of the neck, and then a surgical dissection occurs between the muscles of the neck. The cut is made in the lines of the skin creases for a more cosmetic scar.
Intra-operative xray and a surgical microscope are used to remove the disc and visualise the spinal cord and nerve with the aim of taking pressure of the affected nerve. This disc space is then filled with a cage and artificial bone graft, followed by screws and sometimes a plate anchoring the two bones together to allow for fusion to occur.
You will be admitted to hospital overnight. A drain tube is often placed and is removed the following morning. You will have a soft collar to wear for the first 6 weeks after surgery.
Some patients find swallowing uncomfortable for the first few days after surgery so most patients start with a modified diet, you will then be allowed to eat a normal diet once you are comfortable.
Once you have walked with the physiotherapist and you are comfortable, you will be allowed to go home. Typically this is 1 or 2 nights in hospital. You will be given an appointment to see Dr Anderson at the 6 weeks mark, but should you have any concerns before this point you can contact him via his rooms.
While most people are very satisfied with the surgical result, as with any surgical procedure there are risks involved. These include, but are not limited to:
Dr Anderson will discuss these with you during your consultation, as well as any other specific questions that you may have about the procedure.