Chronic neck pain can have a significant impact on your quality of life. While it seems like terrible discomfort, there are solutions available that can help you live life more comfortably. One of the more advanced procedures available for neck pain is anterior cervical arthrodesis with plate fixation. Subach Spinal Solutions performs advanced spinal procedures to alleviate chronic neck pain. If you have questions or concerns regarding this procedure, don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule a consultation with Dr. Subach.
What is Anterior Cervical Arthrodesis with Plate Fixation?
Anterior cervical arthrodesis with plate fixation is a procedure that involves the fusing of two or more vertebral bones in order to drastically reduce and often eliminate long-term neck pain. The anterior cervical arthrodesis with plate fixation procedure is less invasive than the posterior alternatives. It is performed by making a small incision at the front of the neck. Through this incision, Dr. Subach will access the intervertebral disc and replace it with either implants or the patient’s own bone. To correctly position the vertebrae firmly in place, screw-in plates are used.
Anterior Cervical Arthrodesis with Plate Fixation: What Can I Expect?
Before the procedure begins, preliminary testing must take place in order to determine if it may be the right solution for you. Standard preoperative studies such as blood tests, x-rays, and an MRI must be taken in order for Dr. Subach to have a better understanding of your body before performing any kind of surgery.
During the procedure, Dr. Subach will make a small incision at the front of the neck to access the intervertebral disc, which will be extracted and replaced with implants or a bone graft made from the patient’s own bone. In some cases, the bone graft may be allograft (cadaveric bone from a bone bank) or synthetic (made from naturally occurring biocompatible substances). A screw-in plate is then used to correctly position the vertebrae in normal postural alignment. X-ray imaging is performed to verify the position of the plate and implant.
Once the procedure is completed, the patient is expected to stay under medical watch in the hospital for an overnight stay. Dr. Subach will advise that all strenuous activity be avoided for the first two weeks after your procedure. Most patients are allowed to drive after their first post op visit two weeks after surgery.
Contact Us Today
With the advancements in spinal solutions, it’s very possible to treat chronic neck pain. At Subach Spinal Solutions, we pride ourselves in offering our patients a comprehensive choice of treatments that target very specific different types of neck pain. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you would like to learn more about anterior cervical arthrodesis with plate fixation or any of our other procedures. Be sure to contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and take the next step towards a happier, healthier quality of life.