Cervical spine issues can be painful to live with. Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to address that pain, especially when it comes to neck injuries.
If you have a damaged disc in your neck, you may need a series of surgical procedures to fix it. A hybrid cervical spine surgery combines two surgeries to give you relief from pain and bring your neck back to full health. Here is what you need to know about hybrid cervical spine surgery.
What is Hybrid Spine Surgery?
A hybrid procedure uses both artificial disc replacement and fusion techniques to treat patients who suffer from back pain caused by damaged or diseased intervertebral discs. It combines an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and artificial disc replacement.
This type of surgery aims to relieve pain and restore function to the patient’s back. To do that, doctors may have to remove a disc that has been damaged. In this case, the disc is removed during the ACDF. Then an artificial disc is inserted in its place and fused to the surrounding discs for stability.
Benefits of Hybrid Cervical Procedures
Hybrid cervical spine procedures are effective at resolving spine issues that otherwise would leave people with serious injuries. Damaged neck discs can impair function, making it difficult to turn your head. In that case, it would be difficult to do things like drive cars or work. Damaged neck discs are also painful to live with.
This hybrid surgery simply combines two methods of treating neck discs so that patients experience better outcomes. Fusion is an effective treatment for degenerative conditions of the spine. Artificial discs provide stability and motion preservation. They also have to endure fewer separate surgeries.
How is Hybrid Cervical Spine Surgery Performed?
A cervical spine surgeon performs a hybrid procedure where he removes the damaged discs and places a new disc in place. The process starts with an anesthetic. Then, a small incision is made near the target area.
Through that incision, the disc is broken down and removed. Then, an artificial disc is inserted in its place. This disc will provide added stability and rigidity to a natural disc. Once in place, the surgeon fuses the artificial disc with the ones above and below it. The incision is closed, and the patient goes to aftercare to recover.
What is Recovery Like After Surgery?
After the surgery, patients usually go home within 24 hours. This is because the surgery is minimally invasive, and new techniques and tools make it easier to complete the surgery with a smaller incision. Small incisions mean less damage to the body and less recovery time.
Patients will likely stay in bed for two days after the surgery to avoid discomfort. However, patients can be back up and working again within a few days; it all depends on the patient.
The patient also has to go to follow-up appointments for further assessments so that doctors can see if everything has healed correctly. Follow-ups are usually done with imaging studies, where x-rays and other methods are used to track changes that are not easy to see.
Schedule a Consultation With a Spine Surgeon in Florida
If you’re considering hybrid cervical spine surgery, it’s important to schedule an initial consultation with a qualified surgeon. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the best course of treatment. With hybrid surgery, there is a greater potential for a successful outcome and a quicker return to normal activity.
To learn more about this procedure, schedule your initial consultation today with Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery by calling our team at (866)-646-5090. We are here to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have. After all, we are here to help you get the treatment you deserve.