Cervical Spine Revision Surgery

What Is Cervical Spine Revision Surgery?

Cervical spine revision surgery refers to any spine procedure done after an initial spine surgery in the neck. The goal of revision is to fix problems with the previous surgery to provide the relief patients look for. It may also treat parts of the spine that the first surgery did not repair. By correcting these issues, spine revision surgeons can help patients find the relief they looked for with their first treatment.

The neck is a complex and fragile structure. Its muscles, bones, and connective tissue are responsible for supporting the heavy skull while giving it mobility in all directions. They also surround the spinal cord, which is the most sensitive and important nerve pathway in the body. Because the neck is so complex, it can be difficult to operate on. Even well-performed surgeries may fail to provide complete relief, leading to continued pain even after treatment.

Correcting the Results of Failed Neck Surgery

While many neck surgeries have proven positive results, they are not successful 100% of the time. Neck surgeries can fail to provide relief for many different reasons, including:

• The original surgeon did not correctly identify the source of pain
• The surgery caused accidental damage to a spinal root nerve
• The operation site became infected after treatment
• The patient smokes tobacco, which prevents proper healing
• Excessive scar tissue formed around the operation site
• An attempted cervical spinal fusion did not fuse correctly
• The patient’s body rejected bone graft material from a donor
• Surgical implants have begun to loosen or break down
• A degenerative disease continued to progress after treatment
• A new back condition has developed near the same site

After the first treatment fails, patients may be hesitant to pursue another. Going through a second major operation and recovery may seem daunting, especially to patients who have already done so without success. These emotions are natural. Avoiding further surgery, however, will only lead to more pain and other symptoms. Cervical spine revision surgery can provide a final and effective solution, letting patients return to fulfilling lifestyles that are free from pain.

Who Performs Cervical Spinal Revision Surgery at NU-Spine?

Spinal revision is a complex procedure that operates on parts of the spine where surgery has already failed. Not every spine surgeon has the knowledge and experience to complete a revision without further error. It is important for the patient’s peace of mind to work with a neurosurgeon who is equipped to perform cervical spinal revisions to the highest level of quality.

At NU-Spine, cervical spinal revision surgery is performed by Branko Skovrlj, MD. He is an award-winning neurosurgeon who specializes in performing the most advanced spine procedures, including minimally invasive spine surgery and complex treatments like spinal revision. He takes part in research with the goal of improving these treatments and has earned worldwide recognition for his contributions. When patients receive treatment from Dr. Skovrlj, they know that their care is in the best hands.

How Is Cervical Spinal Revision Surgery Done?

There is no standard approach for cervical spinal revision surgery. Instead, the procedure must be adapted to the individual. To plan the operation, Dr. Skovrlj begins with a careful assessment. He uses state-of-the-art imaging and testing equipment to precisely pinpoint the source of the pain.

After reaching a diagnosis, Dr. Skovrlj then helps the patient understand what options are available to them. He discusses the surgical approach he will use, how long it will take, and what patients can expect from their recovery and outcomes. Most spinal revisions take multiple hours under the effects of anesthesia. Dr. Skovrlj relies on minimally invasive methods whenever possible, which shortens the procedure time and gives the patient a head start on their recovery.

Recovery After Cervical Spinal Revision Surgery

Some patients need to stay in the hospital for one or more days after their procedure. If minimally invasive techniques were used, the patient may be able to go home the same day. Once the patient is ready, Dr. Skovrlj provides instructions for recovery at home. Patients should ask questions and make sure they understand the guidance, which may include:

• Keeping the incision site clean with surgical dressings
• Limiting house chores and other strenuous activities
• Walking around every day to encourage blood flow
• Taking medications to reduce pain and prevent infection
• Checking surgical sites for swelling, redness, and other signs of infection
• Getting physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility
• Scheduling follow-up appointments

Expected recovery times can vary widely. They depend on a range of factors, including the patient’s age, their overall health, and how extensive their surgery was. Most patients can go back to normal activities after a few weeks to several months. If the patient received a spinal fusion, it may not fully solidify for over a year. Dr. Skovrlj will tell patients what to expect and guide them through their recovery.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Dr. Skovrlj prioritizes minimally invasive surgeries whenever he can. This is because these methods reduce surgical trauma. They use state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques to work through smaller incisions, providing the following benefits:

• Shorter hospital stays
• Quicker recovery times
• Less post-surgical bleeding
• Less risk of infection or complications
• Higher surgical success rates
• Faster results

They also give patients greater peace of mind about their revision. Patients who receive minimally invasive treatments can avoid the lengthy recovery while reducing the likelihood of a second surgical failure. Patients who are interested in minimally invasive spine surgery should speak with Dr. Skovrlj to find out whether they might be a good candidate.

Find Lasting Neck Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey

After a failed surgery, neck pain may seem impossible to escape. Fortunately, a final solution exists at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Our award-winning neurosurgeon performs cervical spinal revision surgery to help patients live free from pain. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Spinal Revision Surgery

What is cervical spinal revision?

Cervical spinal revision surgery is an operation to correct the results of a failed neck surgery.

When is cervical spinal revision surgery recommended?

Cervical spinal revision surgery is recommended for patients who have received a neck surgery that did not provide relief or who have pain that is returning after a previous neck surgery.

Why can spine surgeries go wrong?

There are many reasons why even a well-performed spine surgery can go wrong. Common causes of surgical failure include a misdiagnosed spine condition, surgical damage to a nerve root, scar tissue, infection, implant or graft failure, and continued degeneration.