The cervical bones (vertebrae) are the top seven bones of your spine. They are located along your neck, just below the skull. Fusing vertebrae in the neck may help ease neck and arm pain. It may also help relieve progressive paralysis caused by compression of your nerve roots or spinal cord. Two or more vertebrae in your neck are fused. Fusion may be done through a cut in the front or the back of the neck. The surgery can take from 1 to 4 hours.
The fusion procedure
These steps apply to fusion from the front of the neck:
-
A head clamp or strap may be put on to align your neck.
-
The skin is cut and the muscles, blood vessels, trachea, and esophagus are pushed to one side to get to the vertebrae and disks.
-
An X-ray is done to check that the right spinal level is being operated on.
-
The disk is removed from between the vertebrae to be fused.
-
Bone spurs are removed.
-
A bone graft or intervertebral implant filled with bone is placed into the now-empty space between the vertebrae. Screws, plates, or a plate with screws are often placed in to ensure additional stability. In time, the graft and the bone around it will grow into a solid unit.
-
To help keep your spine steady and promote fusion, extra support with a cervical collar may be used.
-
A drain can be left in the wound for 1 or 2 days.
-
The incision is closed with stitches, glue, or staples.
-
A neck brace, rigid or soft, might be placed on your neck.
Related Articles
Your Amputation Surgery
Amputation is surgery to remove a limb. Learn about the surgery and what to expect after.
Foot Surgery: Bunions
A bunion is a bony bump. When the distance between the first and second metatarsal bones of the foot is greater than normal, the big toe may turn toward the other toes. A mild bunion may then form causing foot pain and swelling. Bunions are most often found near the joint at the base of the big toe. Bunions tend to run in families. They may cause pain, swelling, and skin irritation.
Treatment for Bone Bruise (Bone Contusion)
A bone bruise is an injury to a bone that is less severe than a bone fracture. Bone bruises are fairly common. They can happen to people of all ages.
Spinal Fusion: Posterior Lumbar
Fusing vertebrae in the lumbar curve spine may help ease lower back and leg pain. Posterior lumbar fusion is done through an incision in your back. The graft is put between the vertebrae in one of two places: in the disk space or between the transverse processes.
