CERVICAL SPINE SURGERY: CERVICAL CORPECTOMY

Here's a breakdown of its description, symptoms, causes, treatment options, common warning signs, and some case examples:

CERVICAL CORPECTOMY

Cervical corpectomy is a specialized surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in the neck (cervical spine). This is often needed when conditions like cervical spondylosis, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or tumors cause severe compression, leading to symptoms like pain, numbness, weakness, or even difficulty walking.
Dr. Shankar Acharya, a senior consultant and experienced spine surgeon at Sir Gangaram Hospital in New Delhi, has helped countless patients achieve relief and improve their quality of life through cervical corpectomy.

What is a Cervical Corpectomy?

  • The term “corpectomy” comes from “corpus” (vertebral body) and “ectomy” (removal).
  • In this surgery, part of one or more vertebral bodies and the adjacent discs are removed to decompress the spinal cord and nerves.
  • The space left behind is stabilized using bone grafts or implants, often combined with screws and plates.

Symptoms That May Require Surgery

  • Severe neck pain.
  • Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands.
  • Muscle weakness in the arms, legs, or both.
  • Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
  • Loss of bowel or bladder control (in severe cases).

Benefits of Cervical Corpectomy

  • Relieves pain, numbness, and weakness caused by nerve or spinal cord compression.
  • Improves mobility and overall quality of life.
  • Prevents further damage to the spinal cord.

This surgery may be recommended for:

  • Cervical spondylotic myelopathy:
  • Spinal stenosis:
  • Cervical spine fractures 
  • Tumors
  • Infections

Recovery After Cervical Corpectomy

  • Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-5 days.
  • A neck collar or brace may be recommended for a few weeks to protect the area during healing.
  • Physical therapy helps improve strength and mobility.
  • Full recovery may take several weeks to months, depending on the patient’s health and the extent of the surgery.

The Surgical Process

  1. Preparation:
    • Patients undergo imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the problem in detail.
    • Blood tests and a physical exam ensure the patient is fit for surgery.
  2. The Procedure:
    • The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia.
    • A small incision is made in the front or side of the neck to access the spine.
    • The damaged vertebral body and discs are removed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
    • A bone graft, titanium cage, or spacer is placed to restore stability.
    • Metal plates and screws are often used to hold everything in place while the bones fuse.
  3. Closing the Incision:
    • Once the spine is stabilized, the incision is closed with sutures.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks, but these are rare when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Shankar Acharya. Possible complications include:
  • Infection.
  • Bleeding.
  • Difficulty swallowing (temporary).
  • Non-healing of the bone graft (rare).
  • Nerve or spinal cord injury (extremely rare).

Why Choose Dr. Shankar Acharya?

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Acharya has performed thousands of successful spine surgeries, including cervical corpectomy. His expertise ensures personalized care, state-of-the-art techniques, and optimal outcomes for each patient

Take the First Step Towards Pain Relief

If you or a loved one is experiencing severe neck pain, weakness, or difficulty walking, don’t delay. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Shankar Acharya at Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, to explore how cervical corpectomy can help you regain a pain-free and active life.