Cervical Procedures

Dr. Brandon Ortega, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon based in Torrance and Long Beach, California, who specializes in cervical (neck) procedures, provides exceptional and comprehensive care for those experiencing chronic neck conditions like osteoarthritis and herniated discs. Dr. Ortega prioritizes conservative treatments whenever possible and utilizes his expertise in minimally invasive spine surgery to effectively alleviate pain and address underlying issues for long-lasting relief. 

When would I need a cervical procedure?

The term "cervical procedure" encompasses various treatment options that are based on symptom severity, disease progression, and your overall health. Dr. Ortega specializes in cervical spine surgery and may recommend surgery when conservative treatment such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and pain management fail to alleviate symptoms.

Common neck conditions that often necessitate surgery include:

• Herniated discs
• Advanced osteoarthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spinal cord compression (cervical myelopathy)
• Nerve root compression (radiculopathy)
• Spinal stenosis (narrowed spinal canal)
• Slipped vertebra
• Neck fracture

These conditions can cause neck pain, pain/numbness/tingling radiating down you arms, hand weakness, and loss of coordination.  

Which cervical procedures might I need?

Dr. Ortega performs the following cervical procedures:

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

Dr. Ortega makes a small incision in the front of the neck (anterior approach) to access the cervical spine. Dr. Ortega then carefully removes the damaged or herniated disc causing compression of the spinal nerves or spinal cord. Once the disc is removed, the space between the adjacent vertebrae is prepared for fusion, which may involve using an allograft (cadaver) or titanium spacer to restore normal disc height and alignment. In some cases, addition fixation using plates and screws maybe required to stabilize the spine during fusion.

Cervical Disc Replacement (CDR)

Cervical disc replacement is performed through an anterior approach, meaning accessing the cervical spine from the front of the neck. The damaged disc is removed, and an artificial disc implant is inserted into the empty disc space to maintain motion at that level. The primary goal of cervical disc replacement is to preserve motion and flexibility while providing stability and support. The implant is typically made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic.

Posterior Procedures

Posterior spine surgery involves accessing the spine from the back (posterior) of the neck to address various spinal conditions. Depending on the condition, various types of posterior spine surgeries may be performed. Decompression surgery involves removing bone or soft tissue to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord. Fusion surgery is a surgical procedure to join two or more vertebrae together using bone graft, screws, and rods to stabilize the spine, alleviate pain, and promote bone healing.

• Foraminotomy relieves spinal nerve compression within the foramen (opening between adjacent vertebae through which spinal nerves pass) by removing bone/soft tissue
• Laminoplasty enlarges spinal canal by cutting one side of the lamina (bony arch that covers spinal canal) to create a hinge, allowing lamina to be lifted and opened like a door.
• Laminectomy enlarges spinal canal by complete removal of the lamina (bony arch that covers spinal canal), destabilizing the spine in the process, requiring posterior spinal fusion.

Will my cervical procedure be minimally invasive?

Dr. Ortega specializes in motion preservation and minimally invasive spine surgery. While many patients may be suitable candidates for these procedures, it is essential to note that not all individuals qualify. Dr. Ortega evaluates each patient individually during a comprehensive history and physical exam and discusses surgical options accordingly.

Call Brandon A. Ortega, MD, today to learn if a cervical procedure could improve your neck symptoms.