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DePuy Synthes
Posterior Cervical Fusion
DePuy Synthes
Posterior Cervical Fusion
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Procedure
This surgery is done through the back of the neck. A bone graft is placed on the back surface of the problem vertebrae. During the healing process, the vertebrae grow together, creating a solid piece of bone. This type of fusion is used in the cervical spine for fractures and dislocations. It is also used to correct deformities in the neck.
The goal of spinal fusion is to stop the motion caused by segmental instability. This reduces the mechanical neck pain caused from too much motion in the spinal segment.
You may also hear the term anterior fusion. This procedure is commonly used to treat neck problems. The surgeon works from the front (anterior) of the neck. A bone graft or interbody fusion device is placed between two vertebral bodies (interbody area) to replace the disc that normally sits between them. During the healing process, the vertebrae grow together, creating a solid piece of bone.
Cervical Spinal Fusion
There are two types of cervical fusion procedures: anterior cervical fusion, and posterior cervical fusion. In the anterior cervical fusion, the operation is done from the front of your neck. In the posterior cervical fusion, the operation is done through an incision in the back of your neck.
Most neck problems are from a degenerative, or aging, condition of the spine. Degenerative disc disease and cervical stenosis are two diagnoses that can lead to pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Surgery to remove this pressure can be done from the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the neck. Doctors use the anterior approach more often because the pressure is usually on the front portion of your nerves or spinal cord.
Posterior Cervical Fusion
The posterior cervical fusion is performed through an incision in the back of the neck. A posterior cervical fusion is used
- To stop the motion between two or more vertebrae
- To recreate the normal curve of the cervical spine and keep a spinal deformity from getting worse
- To stabilize the spine after a fracture or dislocation of the cervical spine
Instrumented Posterior Cervical Fusion
A graft that is held tightly in place has a better chance of fusing the vertebrae together. To improve fusion, doctors commonly use metal plates, screws, and rods. These implants are referred to as instrumentation. Many different types of metal implants are used with the intent of maximizing healing of the fusion.
Bone heals best when it is held still-without motion between the pieces trying to heal. The healing of a fusion is no different than healing a fractured bone, such as a broken arm. However, the neck is one part of the body that is difficult to hold still, even with a brace worn around the outside of the neck. Wearing a brace for several months after the surgery can be uncomfortable.
When instrumentation is used to improve the success of a posterior fusion, metal rods or plates are attached to the bone structures in the back of the spine. Stainless steel or titanium cables can also be used. When doctors use this type of instrumentation, a brace may only be needed for a short period of time, or not at all.
References
No available references.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
As with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have this surgery. Only a spine surgeon can tell if spine treatment is right for you.
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