Term
| What conditions require an anterior approach to the spine? |
|
Definition
| Certain spondylitic lesions, some fractures, and procedures for correction of spinal stenosis may require an anterior approach |
|
|
Term
| With cervical disc extrusion, what symptoms may the patient experience? |
|
Definition
| Neck stiffness, soreness, and limited mobility, along with radicular symptoms. Some tenderness may occur over the brachial plexus. The normal curvature of the neck tends to be straightened somewhat in these patients |
|
|
Term
| What are the two primary surgical treatments for cervical disc disease? |
|
Definition
| Posterior cervical laminectomy and discectomy or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion |
|
|
Term
| What is the advantage of the anterior approach for surgery? |
|
Definition
| Direct approach to the disc space without removal of the lamina |
|
|
Term
| After removing the disc, what is the space filled with? |
|
Definition
| The disc space is filled with cancellous and cortical bone (fusion), usually from the iliac crest. |
|
|
Term
| What equipment, instruments, and supplies are unique to this procedure? |
|
Definition
| Cloward instruments, minor set for soft tissue, spinal needle, cervical collar. |
|
|
Term
| After incision, which critical structures will be retracted medially? |
|
Definition
| Esophagus, trachea, and carotid artery |
|
|
Term
| Why is a lateral c-spine x ray taken? |
|
Definition
| To identify the proper level |
|
|
Term
| What instruments will be used to procure bone graft? |
|
Definition
| Hudson brace and a dowel cutter, or an osteotome and mallet |
|
|
Term
| What are the two main possible complications of this procedure? |
|
Definition
| Wound infection and nerve root damage |
|
|
Term
| An incision is made over the cervical disc space at the medial border of which muscle? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| What device will be placed on the patient after the surgery to support the neck? |
|
Definition
|
|
Term
| How might a caliper be used in this procedure? |
|
Definition
| To ensure the vertebrae are distracted to the proper distance |
|
|
Term
| What instruments will be used to remove disc material? |
|
Definition
| Pituitary rongeur and curettes |
|
|
Term
| What position will the patient be in for this procedure? |
|
Definition
| Supine with shoulder roll and head turned slightly away from the affected side; hip elevated for graft procurement |
|
|
