Anterior Approach
An "anterior" approach means that Dr Nomoto will approach your neck from the front. He will operate through a 1- to 2-inch incision along the neck crease.
An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that relieves symptoms caused by a bulging or degenerative disc in the neck.
Neck Symptoms
When symptoms do occur, they typically include pain and stiffness in the neck. This pain can range from mild to severe. It is sometimes worsened by looking up or looking down for a long time, or by activities in which the neck is held in the same position for a prolonged period of time—such as driving or reading a book. Other symptoms may include:
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulders
- Numbness in the hands
- Fine motor skill difficulties
- Imbalance issues
- Gait changes
- Headaches
- Grinding or popping noise or sensation when you turn your neck
Cervical disc herniation
A common source of back or neck pain is a herniated disc sometimes called a "slipped" or "ruptured" disc causing pressure on a cervical nerve root causing numbness, muscle weakness, and pain focused in the hands and arms.
Cause
A disc herniates or ruptures when part of the center nucleus pushes through the outer edge of the disk and back toward the spinal canal. This puts pressure on the nerves. Spinal nerves are very sensitive to even slight amounts of pressure, which can result in pain, numbness, or weakness in your arms, shoulders and legs.
Cervical Radiculopathy (Pinched nerve)
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a "pinched nerve" occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord. This may cause pain that radiates into the shoulder, as well as muscle weakness and numbness that travels down the arm and into the hand.
Cause
Cervical radiculopathy is often caused by "wear and tear" changes that occur in the spine as we age, such as arthritis. In younger people, it is most often caused by a sudden injury that results in a herniated disc.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
During this procedure, Dr Nomoto will remove the problematic disc and any additional bone spurs, if necessary, and then stabilizes the spine through spinal fusion.
This animation shows how a cervical plate and interbody may be applied to add extra stability to the spine.
ACDF - Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion
An anterior discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a minimally invasive procedure by making a 1-2 inch incision in the front of the neck, removing the entire disc and disc herniation, and then fusing the disc space.
Goals of ACDF are to:
- Restore alignment of the spine
- Maintain the space available for the nerve roots to leave the spine
- Limit motion across the degenerated segment of the spine
Surgical Procedures
Dr Nomoto offers advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures to treat cervical symptoms which may include:
- Micro discectomy
- Micro decompression
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
- Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)
Surgery may also be recommended if you have severe pain that has not been relieved by nonsurgical treatment. However, some patients with severe neck pain will not be candidates for surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatment
- Physical Therapy
- Medications
- Soft Cervical Collar
- Ice, heat, other modalities
- Pain Injections
Dr Nomoto treats even the most severe cases, offering a myriad of treatment options including advanced safe minimally invasive surgery. Call or book your consultation online to visit one of his Southern California locations: Located in Beverly Hills, Ca and Santa Monica, Ca
Reference: www.AAOS.com