C-Spine Surgical Procedures

Question 1

Microdiscectomy/discectomy

Answer 1

Microdiscectomy: herniated segment is removed
Discectomy: partial or complete removal of disc

Question 2

Laminoforaminotomy

Answer 2

remove c-spine segments encroaching on nerve.

Question 3

Laminoplasty

Answer 3

posterior approach to remove SP and bilateral laminae.

<25% of Z-joint removed, more requires fusion

Question 4

Anterior Cervical Arthrodesis

Answer 4

Removal of structures causing compression on nerve tissue, internal fixation and graft from iliac crest or cadaver graft

Question 5

Patient’s who undergo an anterior cervical arthrodesis are stabilized in a _____ post-op.

Answer 5

Halo

Question 6

What are the general reccommendations 4-6 weeks post-op for those who underwent an anterior cervical arthrodesis?

Answer 6

• External protection per surgeon preference
• AROM of C-spine + UEs
• C-spine isos
• Increase tolerance to sitting
• Walking/stationary cycling
• Limited UE activity (lifting/pushing/pulling, etc.)

Question 7

What is the progression >6 weeks post-op anterior cervical arthrodesis?

Answer 7

• Gradual increase in UE/LE resistance training (per toleration)
• AVOID overhead resistance training
• UBE Progression
• Focus on return to activity limitations/participation restrictions

Question 8

What is the benefit of a cervical disc arthroplasty compared to a fusion?

Answer 8

Allows for ROM at spinal segments.

Question 9

Which surgical approach is less invasive, anterior or posterior?

Answer 9

Posterior

Question 10

General risk factors associated with c-spine surgeries.

Answer 10

• Surgical site infection
• Myositis ossificants
• DVT
• Spinal cord/nerve injury
• Muscular dysfunction
• Hardware failure
• Pseudoarthrosis

Question 11

Myositis Ossificans

Answer 11

bone formation in musculotendinous tissue, can break off and cause soft tissue damage.