Cervical spinal stenosis
Cervical spinal stenosis is a compression of the neurologic elements located in the cervical spinal canal (nerve roots, spinal cord).
It is mostly due to degenerative disorders (disc bulging, ligament flavum and facet hypertrophy).
It may be responsible for walking difficulties, muscular weakness, coordination troubles, or radicular pain in the upper limbs.
The surgical treatment aims at releasing the spinal cord and the nerve roots by removing bony elements, disc fragments, and ligaments that are responsible for the compression.
Posterior decompression
The decompression aims at releasing the pressure on the cervical spinal cord. ​
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The surgery is done through a posterior approach in the neck.​
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The posterior part of the cervical vertebrae and ligaments are partially removed to make space for the neurologic elements (spinal cord, nerve roots).
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Anterior cervical decompression and fusion
The decompression aims at releasing the cervical spinal cord and nerve roots. ​
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In some cases, the decompression can be done through an anterior approach in the neck.
The pathologic discs and bony elements responsible for the stenosis are resected to make space for the spinal cord and nerve roots. .
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A fusion is performed once the decompression is finished, to ensure stability in the cervical spine. It is done with interbody devices called "cages".
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