Which is Better: Cervical Spinal Fusion or Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Cervical disc prolapse is one of the health problems that affect millions of men and women in India, irrespective of their age and the location they live. According to medical experts, people aged 25 to 65 suffer from neck pain issues. It can severely limit your ability to perform daily activities.
It affects men and women when discs between the vertebrae (bones in the spine) get damaged, ruptured or deteriorate. Disc-related problems often get better with a sufficient amount of time. Sometimes surgery is the only option.
Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors may first recommend conventional treatment. But when it does not provide relief from cervical disc prolapse surgery might be the only hope to restore mobility and ease the pain. If you are living in Chennai and suffer from neck and back problems, consult Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj, the best spine and pain doctor in Chennai. For more details, contact us today!
There are two types of surgical procedures available namely; spinal fusion and cervical artificial disc replacement. These surgery options are suggested by doctors to patients with neck pain problems. Find more about them below.
Spinal Fusion Surgery Vs Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
One of the most common causes of Cervical disc prolapse is muscle strain which occurs when it is stretched beyond the limit. It usually resolves within a few days or weeks. However, chronic Cervical disc prolapse is caused chiefly due to damage to facet joints or discs and problems associated with the spinal column and nerves present in the neck, also known as the cervical spine.
Both spinal fusion surgery and artificial cervical disc replacement surgery have been used by spine experts in the past. However, it is important to know the better option today. Thus, an in-depth understanding of the options and consulting experienced and qualified doctors will help you in making the final decision.
What is Cervical Spinal Fusion?
In the spinal fusion surgery procedure, the spine surgeon fuses the bones present in the spine using the bone grafting process. Similarly, cervical spinal fusion involves the fusion of vertebrae in the neck region of the spinal column.
There are different variations in the approach. For example, some surgical techniques follow fusion from the front, some use the back, while others use both the front and back. Ultimately, the objective is that two or more vertebral bones are fused into a single bone.
However, you should always consult only the best surgeon for spinal fusion surgery.
What is Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement?
Cervical artificial disc replacement is a relatively new alternative to cervical spinal fusion surgery for treating disc prolapse. In this procedure, the objective is to eliminate pain by replacing the vertebral disc causing pain with an artificial joint or prosthesis.
If you are a resident of Chennai and suffering from cervical disc prolapse seek the help of a specialist immediately. Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj is one of the leading doctors for cervical artificial disc replacement in Chennai. Contact today!
The latest data and research show that cervical artificial disc replacement has many advantages over fusion.
First of all, in the past two decades with the advancement of technology and the discovery of new materials, the replacement of affected cervical discs is made possible and more preferred than fusion. Similar to hip and knee replacement procedures, high-quality replacement prosthesis helps in the natural movement of the neck. It also restores alignment and stability.
Another advantage of cervical artificial disc replacement over fusion is that it has a lower rate (2-3 times) of additional surgery required. Moreover, medical experts in general opine that less wear and tear is observed at adjacent spinal levels along with lower adjacent segment disease with cervical artificial disc replacement.
When it comes to recovery, patients who have undergone artificial disc replacement do not need braces or support. It also eliminates the doubt regarding healing associated with fusion. In addition, patients can get back to normal activities faster, possibly after a few weeks as recommended by doctors. Vigorous physical activities can also be done post three months of surgery.
In the end, it is important to have an in-depth discussion with a qualified and experienced spine doctor. Based on your condition, medical history and associated risks, your doctor is the best person to offer you the best advice related to spine surgery.
Dr. Vignesh Pushparaj is one of the most well-known, experienced and highly-qualified spine doctors in Chennai, who has successfully treated countless patients with complex neck and spine disorders. He is also the best spinal cord injury doctor in Chennai. For more details, contact us today.
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