What is
Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine Surgery?
The Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine Surgery is used to treat spinal
conditions at the neck and upper back of the patient. In a human, the
cervical region of the spinal cord consists of 7 vertebrae known as C1-C7.
This series supports the head and also facilitates the movements between
head and the body.
It is also responsible for activities such as reading, laughing, nodding,
and driving. When the cervical disc or vertebrae get damaged, then the
above said activities could not be done as usual. The damage in cervical
disc or vertebrae can be cured using Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine
Surgery.
Need for Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine Surgery
The patient has to undergo Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine Surgery if
he has any of the problems listed below:
• Bulging Disc: In this condition, few parts of inter vertebral disc
causes pressure in the spinal canal and finally leads to nerve compression.
• Cervical Foraminal Stenosis: This is due to the narrowing or thinning
of the spinal canal at the upper back and neck part of the spine. When
these foramina get thinned or narrowed the nerves will be compressed and
hence Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine surgery is required.
• Bone Spurs: This is also called as Osteophytes. This occurs due
to the abnormal growth of the bone which leads to the narrowing of the
spinal canal.
• Osteoarthritis: This is a condition at the vertebrae when one bone
is rubbed with the other bone and this causes irritation. Osteoarthritis
may also cause osteophytes impinging or forming on foramen.
• Herniated Disc: The rupture or breakage of inter vertebral disc
causes the inner disc material to enter the spinal canal. This can result
on pressing of nerve tissue and lead to heavy pain.
Minimally
Invasive Cervical Spine Surgery Procedure
Minimally invasive type surgery is more advantageous than normal open
surgery type. The Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine Surgery is done with
a small incision which does not damage, cut or strip the surrounded soft
tissues.
A very small size tube is then inserted through this incision and the
muscles are slowly moved aside at the time of surgery. With the help of
this tube, few instruments are employed to remove the damaged disc material
or any other tissues which are causing painful pressure.
There are
few types of minimally invasive cervical spine surgeries such as cervical
laminoplasty and lamino mass screw fixation. The laminoplasty is used
in the treatment of cervical myelopathy which is attributable to the problem
of canal stenosis.
This surgery includes minimizing of muscle dissection. In lamino mass
screw fixation technique, cervical instrumentation is accomplished. By
dorsally elevating the retracting system, the rod can be placed with a
mass screw as a joint.
