What is a Cervical Corpectomy?

A Cervical Corpectomy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat cervical spinal stenosis and cervical myelopathy. The goal of the procedure is to decompress the spinal cord and spinal nerves by removing damaged spinal discs, bone spurs or pieces of the vertebrae. This decompression alleviates the symptoms associated with spinal cord or spinal nerve compressions such as neck pain and pain or weakness in the extremities.

Once the damaged pieces of disc and vertebrae are removed the cervical spine is stabilized using a bone graft or titanium cage as well as small plates and screws, known as a spinal fusion. Once the bone graft fuses to the vertebrae above and below it will function as one solid vertebra.

How is a Cervical Corpectomy Performed at The Spine Institute of Louisiana?

At The Spine Institute of Louisiana, this procedure most often uses an anterior (from the front) approach to access the spinal discs and vertebrae. However, your Spine Institute of Louisiana Spine Surgeon will discuss the best approach based on your specific condition and symptoms. This procedure can also be performed either as an inpatient or outpatient procedure based on your health and how many levels of the spine need to be treated.

During a Cervical Corpectomy procedure:

• Incision. A small incision (usually 1-2 inches) is made in the neck near the affected spinal discs and vertebrae.
• Decompression. Small surgical tools and surgical microscopes are used to remove the damaged disc material and vertebrae. This allows the spinal cord and spinal nerves to be decompressed.
• Spinal Fusion. A small implant packed with bone graft is inserted into space where the disc and vertebra removed. Small plates and screws are attached to the vertebrae above and below to stabilize the spine while the bones have grown together.

Using our advanced minimally invasive techniques, there is very little surgical trauma and you are able to recover and return to normal activities shortly after surgery.

Make an Appointment with a Spine Institute of Louisiana Spine Specialist Today

• If you have been considering a Cervical Corpectomy procedure, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Spine Specialists.
• We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you.