Cervical Spine Reconstruction Surgery

What Is Cervical Spine Reconstruction?

Spine reconstruction is a surgical procedure to correct major spine dysfunction. This complex procedure is designed for patients whose condition involves multiple levels of the spine. It often combines several different surgical approaches, including cervical spinal fusion, to achieve the desired results. There are two major types of spine reconstruction:

Complex Spine Reconstruction

Complex spine reconstruction is used to treat complicated issues with spinal curvature, such as scoliosis or severe injuries. It involves extensive fusion surgery, implants, and reconstruction on large sections of the spine to restore a normal shape and function.

Minimally Invasive Spine Reconstruction

Some patients are candidates for minimally invasive spine reconstruction. This approach uses minimally invasive methods to reduce surgical trauma for an easier recovery. Minimally invasive spine reconstruction is typically recommended to treat mild injuries or infection.

When Is Cervical Spine Reconstruction Recommended?

Cervical spine reconstruction is used to treat serious spine deformities and misalignments that affect large portions of the spinal column. Conditions commonly treated include:

• Scoliosis
• Cervical kyphosis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Cervical stenosis
• Failed back syndrome
• Cervical degenerative disc disease
• Cervical degenerative joint disease
• Neck injury

These spine conditions can create significant health complications that interfere with a person’s quality of life. The patient may experience:

• Moderate to severe neck pain
• Pain that interrupts sleep
• Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of motor control in the arms or legs
• An inability to turn, twist, or bend over
• Difficulties with walking
• Reduced mobility
• Breathing issues
• Reduced organ function
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Sexual dysfunction or impotence
• Body insecurities
• Mental health problems

Cervical spine reconstruction provides immediate and permanent relief for the above symptoms, letting patients maintain a higher standard of living. Patients can speak with their physician about whether spine reconstruction surgery can help them live without pain.

What Are the Alternatives to Spine Reconstruction Surgery?

Spinal deformities do not always need surgery. Mild cases cause only minor symptoms. Conservative treatments may provide adequate relief, allowing patients to maintain normal lifestyles with minimal disruption. Nonsurgical treatments for spinal deformities include:

• Pain medications
• Steroid injections
• Activity modifications
• Neck bracing

The above treatments, however, do not address spine pain at its source. They only help with superficial symptom management. The source of those symptoms will not go away. In fact, it may get worse. Conditions like scoliosis and stenosis are progressive, meaning that they become more severe over time. Formerly manageable conditions may begin to cause serious complications, interfering more with a patient’s lifestyle.

Spine surgery is the only way to completely and permanently treat spinal deformities and conditions. The sooner surgery takes place, the fewer complications the patient will face. The treatment may also be simpler, allowing for lower hospital bills and an easier recovery.

How Is Cervical Spine Reconstruction Performed?

Cervical spine reconstruction is a complex operation that is unique to each patient. The surgeon begins treatment with a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition. The surgeon may perform a physical examination, review the patient’s medical history, or request medical imaging such as a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

This analysis is used to design a personalized treatment plan. The surgeon chooses multiple procedures to address the patient’s symptoms and correct their unique condition. The final operation may involve the following procedure types:

• Cervical laminectomy: The surgeon removes the lamina, or the back section, of one or more vertebrae. This creates additional space around the spinal cord.
• Cervical discectomy: The surgeon removes a spinal disc, or the piece of rubbery tissue that provides cushioning between vertebrae.
• Cervical disc replacement: After performing a discectomy, the surgeon may replace the removed disc with a medical-grade rubber implant.
• Cervical foraminotomy: The surgeon removes bone material from around the foramen, or the narrow channel that allows root nerves to leave the spinal canal.
• Cervical spinal fusion: The surgeon uses bone grafts and metal implants to fuse two or more vertebrae together into a single strong bone.

At NU-Spine, surgical treatments are performed by Branko Skovrlj, MD. Dr. Skovrlj is an award-winning neurosurgeon who specializes in complex procedures like spine reconstruction. He also treats patients with compassion, building relationships with each individual to establish trust.

Recovery After Cervical Spine Reconstruction

Spine reconstruction surgery is typically followed by a three- to four-day hospital stay. Once patients are able to go home, Dr. Skovrlj provides guidance for recovery. The expected length of recovery depends on how extensive the reconstruction was. Patients can ensure a shorter, smoother recovery by following the surgeon’s instructions, which may include:

• Walking and performing light exercise daily to encourage blood flow
• Taking prescribed medications to reduce pain and inflammation
• Transitioning to over-the-counter (OTC) medications after about a week
• Keeping surgery sites protected with clean dressings
• Participating in physical therapy to regain full strength and mobility

Patients can typically return to their normal activities within about 90 days, though full recovery may take six months or longer. While rushing may be tempting, it is important to be patient and follow Dr. Skovlrj’s instructions. His guidance is key to preventing complications for the best results from surgery.

Find Expert Spine Reconstruction Surgery Near You in New Jersey

Spine pain may seem never-ending, but it does not have to be. Patients can transform their lives with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. We specialize in providing cutting-edge spinal treatments, including cervical spine reconstruction, to help patients get back to a pain-free lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Spine Reconstruction

What is cervical spine reconstruction surgery?

Cervical spine reconstruction is a complex surgical procedure that is performed to correct extensive spinal deformities or misalignments.

When is cervical spine construction recommended?

Cervical spine construction is recommended for patients whose deformities cause symptoms that interfere with everyday life. When spine pain makes it impossible to maintain a normal quality of life, especially if the pain does not respond to conservative treatments, then surgery may provide the complete and lasting relief that patients look for.

What are the benefits of minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a technique that uses advanced tools, such as medical imaging and an endoscope, to work through a much smaller incision. These methods reduce the amount of cutting required to complete a surgery. This provides numerous benefits for patients:

• Less blood loss
• Reduced pain after the surgery
• Lower risk of infection
• Smoother recovery and rehabilitation
• Faster results
• Smaller incision scars

Not all spine reconstruction surgery can be done using minimally invasive methods. Patients should speak with Dr. Skovrlj to find out whether minimally invasive surgery is right for them.