Discectomy

Cervical - Anterior Cervical Discectomy, Fusion - Instrumented

Anterior cervical discectomy procedures are usually performed to remove pressure on nerves from disc herniations. A disc herniates when the outer portion of the disc ruptures and some of the softer disc nucleus material squeezes out. The herniated disc pushes against the spinal cord or spinal nerves and tends to cause pain in the neck or arms. Removing the ruptured disc alleviates pressure on the nerves or spinal cord, which usually relieves the pain. A bone graft is usually inserted with instrumentation to keep the disc space at a normal height and fuse the vertebrae above and below the removed disc.

What is a discectomy?

“Discectomy” means the removal of a disc. When a disc needs to be removed from the spine, it is often because of injury or herniation.

Herniation occurs when the outer area of the disc ruptures, causing the softer inner material to squeeze out. Pain can occur in the neck or arms as the herniated disc puts pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves.

What happens during an anterior cervical discectomy?

In an anterior cervical discectomy surgery, an incision is made on the front (anterior) of the neck (cervical spine). A portion of the herniated disc is removed, and a bone graft is placed between the vertebrae where the disc was removed. A plate is then placed over the bone graft and secured to the vertebrae with screws.