Value

This is a minimally invasive procedure for gentle treatment of many herniated disc cases of the cervical spinal column.

Advantage

This a gentle procedure that usually requires only a brief inpatient stay. Through the mechanical removal of the herniated disc and the additional elimination of the bony constrictions of the vertebral canal, the pinched spinal nerve is immediately relieved, so that usually a quick degeneration of pain and paralysis is achieved. With the procedure, the vertebrae involved aren't melded together (as in a so-called fusing operation). In this manner, the mobility in this spinal segment is well-retained, which helps avoid overloading the neighboring discs with the resulting premature degeneration.

Follow-up

A specialized physiotherapy program should begin two to three weeks after the procedure. A cervical collar is not required following the procedure.

Ability to work

Office work and light physical activity can begin again after approximately two to three weeks. Physically strenuous activity should be avoided for approximately six weeks, and then only gradually reintroduced.

Sports

Bicycling in an upright position is possible after circa two to three weeks. Depending upon their degree and type of intensity, all other types of sport can gradually be reintroduced after six weeks.

Results

In concordance with international publications, a success rate of 80 to 85 percent is to be expected.

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Continue reading ... Reinforcement (fusing) surgery for herniated discs of the cervical spinal column