Most of the time neck pain may be caused due to mild cervical disc space problems. However, in severe cases neck pain may be caused from more than just disc space problem. When the cervical disorder is serious and is caused by more than a simple disc space problem, then doctor can recommend surgery where he will remove not just vertebral body but also the disc spaces at either end so that the cervical canal can be decompressed completely.
This procedure is known as the cervical corpectomy operation. A corpectomy sugery is usually recommended to patients who are suffering from multi-level cervical stenosis where the spinal cord is compressed due to osteophytes or bone spur growth.
The Corpectomy Operation
In this neck pain surgery the procedure that is taken is very similar to that of discectomy although in corpectomy a larger and a more vertical incision is made. The reason behind this much bigger incision is that it provides the surgeon more extensive exposure. To allow more access to the cervical canal, the posterior longitudinal ligament is often removed which also helps in relieving the pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. After this, the defect in the spinal column is then reconstructed with the help of fusion.
Cervical Corpectomy Risks and Recovery
Just like any other surgical treatment, cervical corpectomy comes with its own set of risks and complications as it is complex surgical procedure. The possible complications that may hinder a patient’s recovery include:
- Spinal cord damage
- Damage to the nerve root
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- No relief from pain
- Graft dislodgment
- Damage to the esophagus or trachea
Being an extensive operative procedure, there are a lot of risks that something may not go right with the surgery. However, if the patient does not have any other health issues, is not really old and the doctor performing the surgery is skilled and experienced in the field of corpectomy procedures, then it is sure that he will make a quick recovery with successful results.
