Cervical Spine Surgery

Fig. 1: Sagittal view of the cervical spine Fig. 2: Disc herniation of the cervical spine Fig 3: Axial MRI scan showing disc herniation. Fig 4: CT myleogram of the C5-C6 disc interspace.

Conditions treated by cervical spine surgery
Cervical spine surgery is generally performed on an elective basis to treat either:

The two procedures are often combined, as a decompression may de-stabilize the spine and create the need for a fusion to add stability. Spinal instrumentation (such as a small plate) can also be used to help add stability to the spinal construct.

Many degenerative conditions of the spine cause a loss of the normal lordosis (gentle curvature of the spine), and by opening up the front of the spine this lordosis can be reestablished. However, there are some conditions that do require a posterior approach or a combined anterior/posterior approach.