Cervical Disk Fusion Surgery: What It Is and When You Might Need It

Neck pain can be anywhere from a pesky annoyance to a debilitating condition that invades all aspects of your life. If you’ve been experiencing ongoing neck pain, numbness in your hands or arms, or even trouble walking, then you’re probably familiar with a procedure called cervical disk fusion. But what is it, and how do you know if it’s for you?

In this post, we’ll break down what cervical disk fusion surgery involves, the conditions it treats, what to expect before and after surgery, and common questions patients often ask.

What Is Cervical Disk Fusion?

Cervical disk fusion is a back surgery used to stabilize the neck by joining two or more cervical vertebrae (neck vertebrae). It’s usually done when the disks between them are degenerated or damaged, causing pain and pressure on the surrounding nerves or the spinal cord.

The surgery removes a defective disk and replaces it with a bone graft or an implant. The graft fuses the two vertebrae into one solid, complete bone.

Why Is Cervical Disk Fusion Surgery Performed?

There are some conditions that will lead your doctor to recommend surgery for you.

1. Herniated Disk

When a disk in your neck bulges out of place, it may compress nerves or the spinal cord, causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness.

2. Degenerative Disk Disease

With aging, the disks in your neck break down naturally. For some individuals, this breakdown causes chronic neck pain or instability.

3. Cervical Spondylosis

This is neck arthritis, which may involve disk degeneration, bone spurs, and other alterations involving the spinal cord or nerve roots.

4. Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal compresses the spinal cord, leading to pain, loss of balance, or even bladder problems.

5. Neck Injuries or Fractures

In some cases of trauma, fusion surgery is required to stabilize the spine so that it can heal naturally.

When Would You Need Cervical Disk Fusion?

Surgery is usually reserved after nongraphic treatments—such as physical therapy, medication, or steroid shots—are unsuccessful. If you’ve had a few months of these and they haven’t helped, or if your pain is constant and distracting and impacting your daily life, you may be a candidate for fusion surgery.

Warning signs that may indicate you need surgical care are:

Recurring or worsening neck pain

Pain radiating into shoulders, arms, or hands.

Numbness or tingling in arms or legs

Weak muscles

Coordination or balance problems

Loss of bladder or bowel control (a medical emergency)

What to Expect from the Procedure

Most cervical disk fusions are performed using an anterior approach. This involves accessing the cervical vertebrae from the front of the neck. It is easier to access and usually less destructive to the muscle.

Here’s a general idea of what happens:

Anesthesia: You’ll be under general anesthesia.
Disk Removal: The damaged disk is carefully removed.
Bone Graft Insertion: A graft is inserted between the vertebrae to promote fusion.
Stabilization: A metal plate or screws are used to hold everything in place while it heals.
Recovery: Most individuals go home a day or two and resume normal activities within 6–12 weeks.

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook

Recovery from cervical disk fusion will depend upon the number of levels that are being fused and your overall health. The majority of patients have a significant relief in pain and nerve symptoms.

Physical therapy might be recommended to strengthen flexibility. Full integration can take several months to a year.

Though it does cut out the motion in the neck, there is minimal effect on daily activity unless more than one or two levels are involved.

Risks and Considerations

Like any operation, there are risks involved. Cervical disk fusion also carries some risks, which include:

Infection‘

Bleeding

Damage to nerves

Rejection of the graft or non-union (Failure of the bones to unite)

Disease in adjacent segments from stress increases at nearby disks

These risks should be discussed with your surgeon so that you can weigh these against the potential benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Disk Fusion

Q: Is cervical disk fusion a big operation?

A: It is a significant procedure but also relatively routine and safe. New technology and techniques have helped make recovery more rapid and effective.

Q: How long will I need to be off work following surgery?

A: It varies with the type of work you do. Office staff can go back to work within 2–4 weeks, but more strenuous work takes 8–12 weeks.

Q: Do I lose neck mobility?

A: You will lose some degree of motion at the fused level, but most patients are unaware of any significant functional loss.

Q: Do cervical disk fusions fail?

A: It has a low failure rate to fuse as intended. It is called a non-union and can require another operation. Smoking and poor bone quality can cause it.

Q: Are there alternatives to fusion surgery?

A: Yes. It really just depends on your situation. Other alternatives could be artificial disk replacement or further non-surgical care. Your surgeon will determine what is appropriate for your case.

Conclusion

Cervical disk fusion surgery is a secure and successful method in patients with neck pain or nerve symptoms who fail to respond to conventional treatment. When you are in such a situation, you can contact PROSPERO MEDICAL. Their physician offers the best treatment, you can consider your options and request a second opinion, if necessary.

Being aware of your condition and the possibilities of the treatment may provide you with the confidence to make the best choice regarding long-term health and quality of life.