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Patients with multi-level stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, in the cervical spine (neck) can benefit from posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCDF).
This surgical technique allows Dr. Khamsi to decompress segments of the cervical spine to release pressure. Some of the conditions that may lead to requiring this procedure include:
The most common causes of pain and pressure in the neck area of your spine are degenerative disc disease and herniated discs.
Degenerative disc disease refers to the breakdown of the cushions that sit between the vertebrae, called discs. Discs can shrink, letting bones rub against each other and creating bone spurs that narrow the spinal canal.
When there is a significant narrowing, the vertebrae and other tissues may press down on nerves, which can result in pain, numbness, and lack of mobility in certain areas of the body. Degenerative disc disease can also cause discs to leak, which might irritate nearby nerves.
Herniated discs are discs that bulge out, narrowing the spinal canal. They can pinch nerves and interfere with the spine’s normal movement.
PCDF is performed in order to fully decompress the spinal cord in the neck. This involves a midline incision in the back of the neck, pulling the muscles to the side, and exposing the back part of the spine. Then laminectomy is performed, which means removal of the part of the bone that forms the roof of the spinal canal (lamina). This will lead to an increased space for the spinal cord and therefore relief of the pressure on it.
Posterior cervical decompression procedure leaves the spine with less stability, which is where fusion comes into play. Fusion involves connecting two or more vertebrae and stabilizing them so they don't move. This requires the use of small screws and rods as well as use of bone graft to create a bony bridge between the vertebrae.
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