Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery
What is Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery ?
Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery is a procedure performed from the back of the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves or to stabilize the spine. It is used to treat conditions such as cervical myelopathy, spinal stenosis, herniated discs, fractures, infections, or tumors. The surgery involves removing or reshaping parts of the vertebrae (laminectomy, laminoplasty, or foraminotomy) and, in some cases, fusing the spine using bone grafts and metal implants for stability.
Patients undergo general anesthesia, and recovery includes pain management, physical therapy, and sometimes wearing a neck brace. Hospital stays range from 1 to 3 days, with full recovery taking weeks to months.
Types of Posterior Cervical Spine Surgery
- Laminectomy – Removal of the lamina (back part of the vertebra) to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
- Laminoplasty – Reshaping and repositioning the lamina to create more space for the spinal cord.
- Foraminotomy – Widening the foramina (nerve exit holes) to relieve nerve compression.
- Posterior Cervical Fusion – Stabilization using bone grafts and screws/rods to promote spine fusion.
Indications
- Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
- Herniated discs pressing on nerves
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Spinal tumors or infections
- Fractures or instability due to trauma or degenerative disease
Procedure
- The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
- An incision is made in the back of the neck.
- The surgeon removes or reshapes bone, ligaments, or discs to relieve pressure.
- If needed, spinal fusion is performed to stabilize the vertebrae.
- The incision is closed, and the patient is monitored in recovery.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
- Hospital Stay: 1–3 days (varies based on procedure complexity).
- Pain Management: Medications and physical therapy.
- Neck Brace: May be required for stabilization.
- Physical Therapy: Helps restore mobility and strength.
- Full Recovery: Can take weeks to months depending on the individual.
Risks & Complications
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Spinal fluid leakage
- Nonunion (failure of fusion)
- Loss of neck mobility