Anterior Cervical Corpectomy

While most anterior cervical surgery involves spinal nerve decompression and stabilization by working only through the disc spaces, some severe situations are not amenable to access through the disc space alone.

These situations may require more extensive exposure. Thus, anterior cervical corpectomy involves the removal of one or more vertebra as well as the intervertebral discs between them to decompress the spinal cord and nerve roots. This decompression can involve one or more levels of the spine. The goal is to alleviate pain, weakness, numbness, and other neurological symptoms. After removing the vertebral bodies, Dr. Colman will reconstruct the spine using a bone graft or a spacer filled with bone graft material to maintain spinal stability. This reconstruction is often supplemented with a metal plate and screws to provide additional support and improve spinal stability.

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion is a treatment option for degenerative cervical spine conditions and traumatic injuries that compress the spinal cord. These conditions include:

1. Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: This is a degenerative condition caused by the wear and tear of the cervical spine, leading to narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) and compression of the spinal cord.
2. Cervical Disc Herniation: When the intervertebral discs between the vertebral bodies protrude or herniate, they can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain and neurological deficits.
3. Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL): This condition involves the abnormal calcification of the ligament that runs along the back of the vertebral bodies, which can compress the spinal cord.
4. Trauma: Fractures or dislocations of the cervical vertebrae due to trauma can cause spinal cord compression that may require surgical intervention.
5. Tumors: Primary or metastatic tumors affecting the cervical vertebrae or surrounding structures can lead to spinal cord compression, necessitating decompression surgery.
6. Infections: Infections such as osteomyelitis or discitis that cause vertebral body destruction, and spinal cord compression may require corpectomy for decompression and stabilization.

A minimally invasive incision is made on the front of the neck to access the cervical spine. Dr. Colman will carefully retract the muscles and tissues to expose the vertebral bodies and discs. Then, under microscope visualization, he will remove the affected vertebral bodies and discs to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Next, a bone graft or a cage filled with bone graft material is placed in the space created by the removed vertebral bodies. This graft helps in the fusion of the adjacent vertebrae. A metal plate and screws are often used to provide additional stability to the spine during the healing process for two or more levels.

Most patients will experience significant improvement within a few weeks following the procedure, but complete recovery and spinal fusion can take up to a year. During the initial recovery period, patients may encounter pain, stiffness, fatigue, and reduced flexibility, which generally improves over the course of a month. To support the neck during healing, a neck brace may be required.

Activity restrictions are essential to protect the neck, including avoiding heavy lifting, contact sports, and excessive physical exertion. Physical therapy is usually initiated 4-6 weeks after surgery to strengthen the neck and back muscles and facilitate recovery.

• Pain relief
• Elimination of neurological deficits for improved function
• Long-term stability and support for the cervical spine
• Improved quality of life