Cervical stenosis, a condition characterized by a narrowing of the spinal canal, can be caused by various factors, including arthritic changes, blood vessel issues, tumors, and more. Depending on the cause and location of the stenosis, different surgical options are considered.
Anterior cervical fusion, a surgery performed from the front of the neck, is often chosen for cervical stenosis and cervical disc disease. This procedure involves an incision in the neck to access the spine from the front. It’s particularly used when the compression is primarily due to intervertebral discs located anteriorly.
Posterior laminectomy, on the other hand, is conducted from the back of the neck. This approach involves removing small bony structures, such as the spinous process and lamina, from one or more vertebrae in the neck region. This technique is effective in alleviating pressure on the spinal cord, a common issue in cervical spinal stenosis. The remaining spinal bones are then reconnected using titanium metal rods and screws.
Cervical laminectomy is often the go-to surgery for cervical spinal stenosis. It involves removing a section of the lamina to relieve nerve compression. This method is particularly beneficial for patients with cervical spinal stenosis, which may result from various degenerative spine conditions.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) is another option, offering a less invasive approach with potentially quicker recovery times. Conditions like cervical stenosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and cervical spondylotic myelopathy often necessitate such surgeries.
Understanding the specific nature of cervical stenosis is crucial for selecting the most appropriate surgical intervention. Each method, whether it’s anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, posterior laminectomy, or minimally invasive techniques, targets specific causes and locations of the stenosis.
For more detailed information on these surgical procedures, visit University of Virginia Neurosurgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, Hospital for Special Surgery, Northwell Health Orthopaedic Institute, Columbia Neurosurgery, and University of Florida Neurosurgery.
