Anterior Cervical Corpectomy

Anterior cervical corpectomy is a surgical procedure of the neck region of the spine which involves removal of the entire vertebral body and disc, a part of the vertebral body or arthritic bone spurs. This procedure is performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves, providing symptomatic relief for patient suffering with chronic, progressive neck pain who have failed to respond to conservative methods of treatment. The procedure generally involves replacement of the vertebral body/disc with bone graft followed by fusion to maintain stability. 

 Indications of Anterior Cervical Corpectomy  

Anterior cervical corpectomy may be indicated in the following conditions: 

• Symptomatic, progressive cervical spinal stenosis 
• Symptomatic, progressive cervical myelopathy 
• Severe spinal cord compression with neurological deficits 
• Anterior cervical vertebral trauma 
• Large, arthritic bones spurs in cervical region 
• Lesions of cervical spine which cannot safely be removed with laminectomy 
• Cervical stenosis due to midbody osteophytes 
• Multi-level cervical stenosis 
• Cervical disease extending beyond the disc space 
• Degenerated, damaged, cervical vertebrae and intervertebral discs 
• Anteriorly placed cervical tumors, infections and deformities 

Procedure of Anterior Cervical Corpectomy  

Anterior cervical corpectomy procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision through the front region of the neck, which is also known as the anterior approach. Then, the surgeon gently moves the muscles and tissues aside to expose the cervical vertebrae. Now the surgeon gains a clear view and access to the cervical vertebrae. 

 Next, the damaged vertebrae and the attached discs are removed followed by spinal fusion to replace the discs and vertebrae with implants (bone graft) to maintain spine stability. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures and a bandage. 

Postoperative care and Recovery

Most patients may be required to stay in the hospital for four to five days after surgery. Patients are instructed on appropriate techniques of walking and getting out of bed, before being discharged from the hospital. Patients are also advised to avoid heavy lifting, bending or twisting of the neck during the initial postoperative period of four to six weeks.  

Gradual movements may be initiated after six to eight weeks when neck pain has subsided. Most patients are provided with a neck brace or cervical collar to maintain a stable position of the neck and improve bone healing.