Surgery is considered when conservative measures fail or if symptoms worsen, especially if there is spinal cord compression. The goal is to relieve pressure on the nerve, reduce pain, and improve function. Surgical options include:
Cervical Disc Replacement
Write blurb about CDR emphasize minimally invasive approach.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
This is a common operation for a herniated cervical disc. During this minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Mathew Cyriac will remove the damaged disc through a small incision in the front of the neck, and the affected vertebrae will be fused together to stabilize the spine. Fusion is typically accomplished with a bone graft from the patient or a donor. After surgery, the patient may need to wear a neck brace for several weeks and participate in physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
Cervical Microdiscectomy
This minimally invasive procedure entails removing the damaged portion of a disc that is exerting pressure on a nerve root, alleviating pressure, reducing pain, and enhancing function. The procedure is accomplished using an endoscope, a slender tube-like device equipped with a camera and light, inserted through a small incision to visualize the spinal anatomy. The damaged tissue compressing a nerve root or the spinal cord is then removed.
Minimally Invasive spine surgeon Dr. Mathew Cyriac utilizes a microscope to carefully view and excise the herniated part of the disc. Because it is minimally invasive, the procedure typically leads to a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. Unlike some other spinal surgeries, a cervical microdiscectomy does not require spinal fusion, which helps maintain the natural movement of the cervical spine. Many patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on their overall health and the extent of the surgery.
Cervical Endoscopic Foraminotomy
This minimally invasive procedure may be performed with or without a discectomy. It is used to address a herniated cervical disc or spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal. Small incisions are made in the neck, through which a specialized endoscope—an instrument equipped with a camera and light—is used to view the spinal anatomy and remove the damaged tissue. Typically performed on an outpatient basis, patients can usually return home the same day. Cervical endoscopic foraminotomy offers numerous benefits, including effective pain relief, preservation of spinal mobility, and a faster recovery time with a lower risk of complications. It is an excellent option for patients seeking a minimally invasive solution to cervical nerve compression, particularly when conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief.
Posterior Cervical Decompression with Fusion
This surgical procedure relieves pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the cervical spine (neck region) while stabilizing the spine. Decompression is performed by removing or trimming the structures causing compression, which may include bone spurs, herniated discs, or thickened ligaments. The procedure is performed from the back (posterior) of the neck, allowing direct access to the affected areas.
After decompression, Dr. Cyriac performs spinal fusion to stabilize the spine. Fusion involves placing bone grafts or implants between the affected vertebrae, which can be harvested from the patient (autograft), a donor (allograft), or synthetic materials. Metal hardware is often used to secure the vertebrae and promote the fusion process. Over time, the bone grafts encourage the vertebrae to grow together into a single, solid piece of bone, stabilizing the spine and preventing further movement that could cause pain or neurological symptoms. Benefits include stabilization, symptom relief, and prevention of future damage.
