Problems in the neck can press on the nerves going to the arm or on the spinal cord itself. Minimally invasive cervical surgery frees the nerve or cord through a small incision, with careful preservation of the surrounding muscle and, where possible, the movement of the neck.
Who it may help
- Neck pain that has not settled with physiotherapy and medicines
- Pain, tingling or numbness spreading into the arm or hand
- Weak grip or clumsy hands
- Difficulty with balance or walking, which can be a sign that the spinal cord is being squeezed (cervical myelopathy)
- A disc prolapse, bony spurs or instability seen on the MRI
Conditions treated
- Cervical disc herniation
- Cervical spondylotic myelopathy
- Foraminal stenosis and nerve-root compression
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Instability or injury of the neck
- Problems after earlier neck surgery
Techniques used
- Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) The damaged disc is removed through a small cut at the front of the neck and replaced with a cage or plate so the segment heals solid.
- Posterior foraminotomy The nerve root is freed through a small incision at the back of the neck, with no fusion.
- Corpectomy A damaged vertebral body is removed when the compression spans several levels or comes from a tumour.
- Artificial disc replacement In selected patients, a disc replacement keeps the movement of the segment.
Before the procedure
- MRI and X-rays of the neck
- Blood tests and anaesthesia check
- A planning visit with the surgeon
- Admission a day before surgery
Recovery: what to expect
- A hospital stay of about 1 to 2 days for many patients.
- A soft collar may be worn for 2 to 4 weeks.
- Light duties often resume within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Physiotherapy starts at about 2 to 4 weeks.
- X-ray or MRI follow-up at about 1 and 3 months.
These are typical timings. Your own plan depends on your condition, your general health and the operation chosen, and Dr. Chakraborty will go through it with you.
Risks to know about
Every operation carries risk. The ones most relevant here are:
- A sore throat or difficulty swallowing for some days or weeks
- Hoarseness of voice, usually temporary
- Infection or bleeding
- Persistent arm symptoms, or a fusion that does not heal
- In the long term, extra wear at the levels next to a fusion
Your own risks depend on your health and your scans, and are explained in detail before you decide on anything.
Common questions
Will my neck feel stiff?
A single-level fusion usually causes little noticeable stiffness. Disc replacement can keep movement in suitable patients.
Will the scar show?
The cut is small and is usually placed in a natural skin fold.
Can physiotherapy alone work?
In early or mild cases, yes. When the nerve or cord is badly squeezed, or weakness is developing, surgery is more reliable.
Will I need another operation later?
Most people do not. Good rehabilitation and follow-up lower the chance.
This page is general information to help you prepare for a consultation. It is not medical advice and does not replace an examination. Every plan is made for the individual patient.