The cervical region of the spine refers to the seven vertebrae that make up the neck. This area is very delicate and houses the spinal cord, which is responsible for sending messages to the brain. There is a range of problems that may occur in this spinal region. Neurosurgeons can help to alleviate these problems in the following ways:
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Fusion can be done to alleviate the pain caused by a cervical herniated disc, cervical degenerative disc diseases or the removal of bone spurs brought on by spinal stenosis.
Cervical corpectomy spine
surgery is a treatment used to alleviate the pain caused by multi-level cervical stenosis and involves the removal of several vertebrae in order to decompress the cervical canal.
Cervical foraminotomy
Cervical foraminotomy is a surgical procedure whereby bone and pieces of herniated discs are removed in order to alleviate neck and arm pains.
Cervical laminectomy
procedures involve a part of the bone in the spine being removed in order to alleviate pressure caused by cervical stenosis. Laminoplasty, while also treating cervical stenosis, is a procedure that does not involve removing bone. Bone overlying the spinal cord is cut, creating more space and relieving pain.
Posterior cervical
spine fusion is a method that approaches a cervical surgical procedure from the back of the neck. A cervical fusion surgery aims to join selected bones in the neck. This can be done by using a range of different implants, including bone grafts, metal implants and metal plates.
Cervical spinal tumours
are growths found in the cervical region of the spine. There are various types of spinal tumours, all of which should be treated either with nonsurgical methods or, if those are not successful, with surgery. The excision of tumours in the cervical region can be done by a neurosurgeon.
FAQ:
The procedures typically take between one and three hours.
Two neighbouring vertebrae in the cervical spine are fused in a single-level cervical fusion. It is still substantial surgery, although it is a relatively safe and routine procedure. Patients are correct in asking many questions before deciding, including how neck mobility would be affected.
Returning to your normal activities may take 4 to 6 weeks.
I am a qualified neurosurgeon following my pre- and postgraduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch and currently have private practices at Netcare N1 City, which caters for the northern suburbs of Cape Town and Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital, which caters for the west coast of Cape Town and Western Cape.
Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital
Tel: +27 (0)21 554 0779 / Fax: +27 (0)21 554 2144
Email: bbhinfo@capeneurospine.co.za
Netcare N1 City Hospital
Tel: 021 595 4633 / Fax: 021-595 3446
Email: info@capeneurospine.co.za