What Occurs During Posterior Cervical Decompression?
The general procedure for the posterior cervical decompression (microdiscectomy) surgery includes the: • Surgical approach. • A small incision is made in the midline of the back of the neck. • The para-spinal muscles are elevated off the spinal level that is to be approached. • Disc removal. • An x-ray is done to confirm that the surgeon is at the correct level of the spine. • A high-speed burr is used to remove some of the facet joint, and the nerve root is then identified under the facet joint. • An operating microscope is then used for better visualization. • The disc will be directly under the nerve root, which needs to be gently mobilized (moved to the side) to free up the disc herniation. • There is usually a plexus (network) of veins over the disc that can obstruct visualization if they bleed.
