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It remains a viable option for the patient presenting with arm and shouder pain and neurologic deficits due to osteoarthritic disease limited to a single level. This article summarizes the advantages, disadvantages, indications, and complications associated with PCF.
As the cervical spine ages, bone spurs (osteophytes) commonly form adjacent to the neural foramina, compressing individual nerve roots. The result is a cervical radiculopathy, characterized by radiating shoulder or arm pain, weakness, and sensory loss in the distribution supplied by the affected cervical nerve root. Initial conservative management includes anti-inflammatory agents, oral steroidal agents, physical therapy, chiropractic care, cervical traction, muscle relaxants, and epidural steroid injection to decrease nerve root inflammation. Selective nerve root blocks using steroids and anesthetic agents are reasonable for both therapeutic or diagnostic measures. Temporary pain relief after injection of the anesthetic agent over the nerve root confirms compression in this area as the pain generator.
In cases refractory to medical management, surgical decompression of the affected nerve root is a viable option. These include a posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF, also referred to as a “keyhole” foraminotomy) that utilizes a limited removal of the lateral laminae and medial facet joints to allow access to the nerve root and its offending source of compression (due either to an osteophyte or to a herniated cervical disc). In essence, the bone is removed directly over the affected nerve from a posterior approach, limiting the extent of bony decompression to a circular area approximately the size of a dime. This procedure has been safely and effectively performed for some 65 years and, for some unknown reason, has been utilized with decreased frequency over the past few years.
Anterior-Posterior (Includes ACDs and corpectomies)
252+
99%
Ideal candidates for PCF have unilateral symptoms corresponding to the affected nerve root caused by a cervical disc herniation or osteophyte visualized on MRI or CT myelogram with retained cervical lordosis (normal anterior curvature of the cervical spine). In addition, the approach is useful for patients in whom an anterior approach is contraindicated, such as those with extensive anterior neck surgery, anterior neck irradiation, etc. Contraindications include but are not limited to patients with an overt myelopathy due to spinal cord compression requiring a central decompression; anatomic variations such as an aberrant vertebral artery; overt translational instability or kyphosis (posterior spine curvature) at the involved level; and neck pain without true radicular symptoms (in other words, radiating pain with concordant neurologic deficits). PCF is effective for nerve root decompression; it is not designed for spinal cord decompression.
Overall expected complication rate is in the range of 2% and includes infection; CSF leak; delayed instability; and nerve root injury resulting in neurologic deficit. For various reasons, the C5 nerve root is most susceptible to post-operative impaired functioning, often occurring in a delayed fashion. Recovery occurs in most cases spontaneously. Younger patients, nonsmokers, and those with soft herniated cervical discs (as opposed to foraminal osteophytes) tend to do better long-term compared to their counterparts. A collar after surgery is optional for comfort. After adequate healing of 4-6 weeks, patients resume normal activities without restriction.
If you have been recommended for cervical surgery of any type , we would be happy to provide a second opinion. Call us today at +1-(855)-854-9274.
Vanessa had years of neck pain leaving her unable to even do her daily work. But with Dr. Wascher’s quick and timely intervention that included multiple viewings of MRIs, muscle and nerve tests, followed by a 3-Level Anterior Cervical Fusion, she is now happy without any neck issues. “I can happily say that by following the recommendations of Dr. Wascher, I am now pain-free,” says Vanessa as she talks about how great Dr. Wascher and his team were to work with.
When Nanette experienced deep pain in her shoulder, she got tests performed only to discover that she in fact had issues with her neck instead. After a few MRIs and scans, she contacted Dr. Wascher, who told her that she has bone spurs going into the spinal cord. Within a span of 3 weeks, she was able to go through surgery and get on the road to recovery. “I cannot say enough about Dr. Wascher’s expertise and empathy”, says Nanette as she joins an ever-growing community of people who, through Dr. Wascher and his team, have found happiness again.
