Cervical fusion is a medical procedure primarily used to address cervical fractures, dislocations, and other pathologies. Apart from treating these conditions, cervical fusion is also employed to rectify deformities in the neck. When performed using an anterior approach, the procedure can even spread the vertebrae slightly to restore the space between them.
The Cervical Fusion Procedures:
1. Anterior Cervical Corpectomy Fusion (ACCF):
A surgery designed to stabilize or prevent neck movement by fusing neck bones. During ACCF, the surgeon creates an incision at the front of the patient’s neck, removes some or all of the vertebrae, and places a graft or cage in the disc. For more details, you can visit this guide.
2. Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion (ACDF):
This combination spinal decompression and fusion procedure treats conditions such as herniated discs and compressed nerves in the neck. When a disc herniates, the outer portion ruptures, causing the softer nucleus material inside to squeeze out. For more on ACDF, check out this article.
Often, an anterior cervical discectomy is done alongside fusion and fixation procedures to ensure spinal stability. Fusion involves the implantation of a bone graft that fuses with vertebrae in the region, while fixation incorporates the implantation of devices such as screws, rods, or plates. For further understanding, refer to this explanation.
Post-Surgery Care:
After a posterior cervical fusion, patients might wear a C-Collar for up to 6 weeks, especially if there are associated c-spine fractures. Typically, physical therapy (PT) starts after the initial 6 weeks. By the 6-8 week phase, a regimented PT program begins, which can be 2-3 times a week, depending on the patient’s needs.
During PT, a variety of exercises and therapies might be incorporated:
Gentle cervical retractions
Scapular retractions
Flexibility and mobility exercises
Core conditioning focusing on the tra/multifidi/glute med/max isometrics
Soft tissue mobilization for hypertonic paraspinal muscles.
The primary objective is to encourage movement and enhance recovery. For a detailed clinical care guideline, consider reviewing this document.
In conclusion, cervical fusion procedures, whether anterior or posterior, play a crucial role in treating various neck pathologies and ensuring spinal stability. With proper post-operative care and therapy, patients can look forward to improved neck function and a better quality of life.
