There are a number of soft tissues and nerves that are housed in and around your neck, so it should come as no surprise that the neck area is a frequent source of pain and discomfort, especially as we get older and structures begin to deteriorate. When problems are detected early on, they typically respond well to conservative care and oversight by a spine specialist, but if problems are too severe, a surgical procedure may become necessary.
One specific procedure that has become more popular for treating conditions like bone spurs, herniated discs or pinched nerves is what’s known as the anterical cervical fusion procedure. It’s a technique that Dr. Sinicropi has mastered during years in the operating room, and the procedure has some unique benefits for patients. We share three of those benefits below.
Why Choose Anterior Cervical Fusion
During an anterior cervical fusion procedure, the surgeon first decompresses the problemed area and then inserts a bone graft to help stabilize and protect the area. Here’s a look at three benefits of the procedure.
- It’s A Natural Fusion – The goal of the procedure is to decompress the area and then fuse it to prevent excessive motion at the surgical site. However, the fusion doesn’t need to take place during the operation itself. When the bone graft is inserted and secured, the vertebrae will actually fuse together naturally during the healing process. This procedure has a very high success rate because your body is naturally helping with the fusion instead of the process being completed solely by a surgeon.
- Easier Access and Fewer Complications – Although it may seem a little odd to have a surgeon perform a neck surgery by going through the front of your neck and throat, this approach – known as the anterior approach – actually provides a better view of the surgical site and requires less movement of key structures in order to access the area. An anterior approach is typically easier and less invasive than a posterior approach, which in turn is less taxing on the patient and can reduce potential complication likelihood like nerve damage or excessive bleeding.
- Faster Recovery – Not only is the anterior approach easier for the surgeon, but it also has been shown to lead to better recovery outcomes for the patient. Many patients who undergo the procedure are discharged from the surgical center the following day or within 2-3 days of surgery, and while you’ll still have recovery to do at home, many people are amazed at how quickly they are on their way to recovery after an anterior cervical fusion procedure. Also, because fewer structures need to be cut in order to access the site, there’s less tissue recovery that needs to take place compared to other types of decompression operations.
So if you have been plagued by neck and cervical spine discomfort, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi to figure out your best treatment option. The earlier you begin treatment, the less likely it is that you’ll need to undergo a surgery, but it’s nice knowing that you’re in great hands if it comes to that. For more information, reach out to Dr. Sinicropi’s clinic today.
