Cervical Stenosis Surgery

Types of Cervical Stenosis Surgery

1. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

• Removes disc and bone spurs through a small incision in the front of the neck
  

• Fusion stabilizes the spine with bone graft and plate
  

2. Anterior Cervical Disc Replacement

• Removes diseased disc and replaces it with an artificial disc
  

• Preserves motion instead of fusing
  

3. Posterior Laminectomy / Laminotomy

• Removes part or all of the lamina (back of the vertebra) to decompress the cord and nerves
  

• May be combined with fusion for stability in certain cases
  
  

4. Cervical Laminoplasty

• Expands the spinal canal by hinging open the lamina and securing it with plates
  

• Preserves motion while relieving compression (used mainly for multi-level stenosis)
  

The Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

1. Anesthesia & positioning: You’re asleep under general anesthesia.
   

2. Incision: Small incision in the front or back of the neck, depending on approach.
   

3. Decompression: Disc material, bone spurs, or lamina are removed to relieve pressure.
   

4. Stabilization (if needed): Fusion or disc replacement is performed to maintain alignment and stability.
   

5. Closure: Incision closed; most patients walk the same or next day.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Anterior approach: Smith-Robinson exposure; microsurgical discectomy; PLL resection; cage with graft and anterior plate, or artificial disc placement.
  

• Posterior approach: Midline incision; laminotomy or laminectomy with drill/Kerrisons; foraminotomies if needed; fusion with lateral mass/pedicle screws in cases of instability or kyphosis.
  

• Laminoplasty option: Hinge side created with drill; lamina lifted open and secured with mini-plates.