Our Summary

This study compared two different types of procedures used to treat degenerative disc diseases in the neck. One method uses a piece of the patient’s own hip bone, known as an iliac crest autograft, while the other uses a rectangular titanium cage. The researchers looked at the success rates of the surgeries, the patients’ pain levels, and the patients’ ability to function afterwards. They found that both methods were similar in terms of success rate and the patients’ ability to function. However, the patients’ pain levels varied depending on the procedure. The results suggest that using a titanium cage is a safe and effective alternative to using a piece of the patient’s own hip bone.

FAQs

  1. What are the two different types of procedures used to treat degenerative disc diseases in the neck?
  2. How do patient pain levels vary depending on the procedure used for treating degenerative disc diseases?
  3. Is using a titanium cage a safe and effective alternative to using an iliac crest autograft for treating degenerative disc diseases?

Doctor’s Tip

Some helpful tips a doctor might tell a patient about discectomy include:

  • Follow post-operative care instructions closely, including restrictions on lifting, bending, and twisting.
  • Attend physical therapy sessions as recommended to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on the spine and prevent further injury.
  • Avoid smoking, as it can inhibit the healing process.
  • Listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain or discomfort.
  • Follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for discectomy are those who have not responded to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or injections for degenerative disc diseases in the neck. These patients may be experiencing severe pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, or hands due to a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. Discectomy may be recommended if the symptoms are significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life and daily functioning.

Timeline

  1. Patient experiences neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands, and possibly difficulty walking or standing due to a degenerative disc disease in the neck.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disc herniation.
  3. Patient may undergo conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage symptoms.
  4. If conservative treatments are not effective, patient and healthcare provider decide to proceed with discectomy surgery.
  5. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and preparations for the surgery, including discussing risks and benefits with the surgeon.
  6. Patient undergoes discectomy surgery, where the herniated disc material is removed to relieve pressure on the nerves in the neck.
  7. Patient is monitored in the hospital post-surgery for a period of time to ensure proper healing and manage any pain or discomfort.
  8. Patient begins physical therapy and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility in the neck and upper body.
  9. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may experience a reduction in neck pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or hands.
  10. Patient continues to follow up with their healthcare provider for monitoring and any additional treatments or interventions as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a discectomy and why is it being recommended for me?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a discectomy procedure?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before undergoing a discectomy?
  5. How many discectomy procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  6. What type of material will be used for the procedure (iliac crest autograft or titanium cage) and why?
  7. How will this procedure help improve my symptoms and overall quality of life?
  8. What is the expected outcome in terms of pain relief and functional improvement?
  9. What are the long-term implications and potential complications of the chosen procedure?
  10. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or rehabilitation exercises I should follow for optimal recovery?

Reference

Authors: Shao MH, Zhang F, Yin J, Xu HC, Lyu FZ. Journal: Curr Med Res Opin. 2017 May;33(5):803-811. doi: 10.1080/03007995.2017.1284050. Epub 2017 Feb 28. PMID: 28097889