October 3rd, 2014
How Do I Know If I Need Anterior Cervical Fusion Surgery?
Excessive or unnatural movement in the spinal column can result in significant pain and instability of the spinal vertebrae. In order to realign, strengthen and stabilize the spine, a decompression and fusion procedure may be recommended. This surgery is often a surgeon’s treatment of choice for patients dealing with a wide variety of cervical conditions and who have not responded positively to other non-operative methods of care.
Whether you are suffering from a traumatic injury to the neck or you have a degenerative condition, you may be wondering “How do I know if I need anterior cervical fusion surgery?” Below you’ll find a list of common symptoms to help you determine if this type of procedure may be the right option for you.
Are you experiencing sharp pain in the cervical region of your spine that your physician has determined is due to nerve root pressure?
Do you sometimes experience numbness and tingling in your arms?
Does the top of your spine feel unstable or particularly weak?
Are you bothered by frequent arm pain?
Have you noticed any signs of deformity occurring in the cervical area of your spine?
By answering the questions above, you are working toward a conclusion to the question, “How do I know if I need anterior cervical fusion surgery?” If you answered yes to any of the above, we recommend speaking with a qualified spine specialist about your symptoms and discussing the root cause of your pain.
When you call Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we can help you get an appointment scheduled at one of our 20 convenient locations throughout the region. You’ll be able to receive care from some of the top orthopedic doctors in the country and should you need cervical decompression and fusion surgery, you can rest assured that Rothman is always on the cutting-edge of any advancements in spinal treatment and procedures.
How Do I Know If I Need an Anterior Cervical Fusion Surgery?
You can observe your own symptoms and read all about cervical decompression and fusion surgery, but the only way to truly answer this question is to see a qualified physician. Speak to him or her about your pain, your options and what you can expect from this kind of procedure, should you need one.
Be sure to find out whether your doctor plans to perform the surgery from an incision on the front or the back of your body. There are significant differences in the procedure itself and the recovery process, depending on whether the surgery is done from an anterior or posterior approach, although each are effective for certain circumstances. Here at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, we perform cervical decompression and fusion surgeries from both approaches, depending on each particular patients’ diagnosis. Sometimes the anterior approach is preferred because it can provide the surgeon with more direct access to the patient’s spine without having to move muscles or nerves.