Spine Information
Cervical Corpectomy and Strut Graft
Table of Contents
Many cervical problems are due to degenerative changes that occur in
the discs and joints of the neck. These changes commonly take place as
a natural part of aging and from the affects of daily wear and tear on
the parts of the spine. Degenerative changes in the neck sometimes lead
to a serious condition where pressure is put on the spinal cord. One
surgical option to relieve the pressure is to remove the degenerative
vertebrae and replace them with bone graft. This procedure is called a
corpectomy and strut graft.
Learn about cervical corpectomy and strut graft including
- how the cervical spine is affected
- why the procedure is performed
- what you can expect from this procedure including possible complications
In order to understand your symptoms and treatment choices, it is
helpful to start with a basic understanding of the anatomy of the neck.
This includes becoming familiar with the various parts that make up the
cervical spine and how they work together.
An effective procedure for removing the pressure on the spinal cord due to
spinal stenosis
is to remove one or several vertebral bodies to take pressure off the
spinal cord. The procedure is called a corpectomy. Corpus means "body"
and ectomy means "remove." The discs between the vertebrae are also
removed.
After removal of the vertebral body (or bodies), a cervical fusion
is performed. When the bodies of one or more vertebrae are taken out, a
bone graft is inserted to fill the space. As the bone graft heals, it
fuses to the intact vertebrae above and below it. The bone graft
provides structural support to the cervical spine.
In the cervical corpectomy procedure, the vertebrae are removed from
the front. An incision is made in the front of the neck beside the
trachea (windpipe). The muscles are moved to the side. The arteries and
nerves in the neck are also protected.
Upon reaching the front of the spine, the surgeon uses an X-ray to
identify the correct vertebrae and discs. The vertebral bodies and
discs causing problems are removed all the way back to the spinal cord.
Bone spurs that extend from the back of the vertebrae toward the spinal
canal are removed as well. Special care is taken to reduce the risk of
damaging the spinal cord and nerve roots.
Once the vertebrae and discs have been removed, the space between
the vertebrae above and below must be filled. Doctors typically implant
a graft of bone into the space. The section of bone graft works like a
"strut" to support the spine. The strut may be formed by taking bone
from your hip (pelvis) or from the fibula bone in your leg. Bone taken
from your own body is called autograft. Your surgeon may also use
allograft, which is bone taken from a source other than your body and
stored in a bone bank.
Some method of internal fixation to hold the bones and bone graft in
place is normally used. The most common method is to use metal
(titanium) plates and screws. The plate sits on the front of the
remaining vertebrae, covering the strut graft. Screws are placed into
the vertebral bodies above and below the graft to hold the plate in
place and keep the bone graft from slipping.
Like all surgical procedures, operations on the neck may have
complications. Because the surgeon is operating around the spinal cord,
neck operations are always considered extremely delicate and
potentially dangerous. Take time to review the risks associated with
cervical spine surgery with your doctor. Make sure you are comfortable
with both the risks and the benefits of the procedure planned for your
treatment.
This is a serious and complex operation. Patients usually wear a
neck brace after surgery. Some patients may need the extra support of a
halo brace. Most patients do not require rehabilitation after this
surgery. However, a short period may be needed for patients who are
having pain or difficulty doing routine activities. A physical
therapist may work with you to design a specific exercise program.
Once the fusion is healed, you may progress toward a more vigorous rehabilitation program
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