Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Brian Su: Radiculopathy and Surgical Options
Part 1 of a 5 part series on Radiculopathy, visit his channel for the rest
Part 1 of a 5 part series, visit his channel for the rest
Myelopathy and Surgical Options
Myelopathy
An overview of myelopathy from Armaghani Spine. This condition causes people to have balance and coordination issues as well as problems potentially with their hands.
Frequently, people think they are "just getting older" or have been checked for vertigo without any answer. This is a progressive condition that can cause permanent disability but is a condition I treat frequently.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:45 - Anatomy and Overview
06:25 - Symptoms, Causes, Expected Recovery, Treatments
16:06 - Conclusion
Spinal Fusion vs. Cervical Disc Replacement
This video discusses the 10-year outcome for patients treated with the Medtronic Prestige artificial cervical disc. Patients were just as satisfied with artificial disc replacement as the traditional ACDF fusion surgery.
One of the main goals of artificial disc replacement is improved range of motion, and x-ray studies showed patients with artificial disc replacement did have around six degrees improved range. In addition, it turned out there were no problems with debris getting into the body due to implant breakdown. And there was no sign of the implants wearing out. Spine fusion is known to cause accelerated wear and tear on the adjacent level.
In the study, 10% of the ACDF patients had to have an additional surgery for one reason or another. One of the big hopes of artificial disc replacement was to solve this problem by preserving motion. Unfortunately, the artificial disc did not help with the need for repeat surgery which was statistically the same at 13%.
Is a herniated disc serious?
Herniated discs are extremely common, and most are not serious in the sense that they get better on their own and do not cause permanent problems; however, some can be serious in two ways.
A herniated disc is serious when it causes problems with the neighboring nerve roots due to inflammation or direct pressure. Giant herniated discs, like Pat had, can cause damage to nerve roots making you paralyzed and unable to control your own urine: If you experience severe weakness, numbness, or incontinence with back pain you may have a giant herniated disc that requires surgery on an emergency basis.
If you have severe numbness, weakness, uncontrollable pain, or cannot pee with back pain then go to the nearest hospital that has a neurosurgeon on call. If a hospital is a trauma center, then there is a neurosurgeon on call there. Second, a herniated disc can happen in conjunction with another serious problem. Infection, tumors, and fractures can all be associated with disc herniation.
Fortunately, these conditions are rare, and all of them are easily seen on an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan of your back. Pat has a history of blood cancer, but it is not the kind of thing that causes tumors that could involve the bones or discs of the spine. When we talked to him Pat also denied having fever, shakes or chills, which makes infection not likely. If you think you have a herniated disc, but you do not have functional weakness, numbness, urinary retention, history of cancer, fever, or recent trauma, then the next step depends on the severity of your pain and the pattern of recovery.
Pat had been to the clinic before, so he contacted us. If you have a lot of pain despite moist heat, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications, or you are not getting better, then see your doctor right away.
Is a Herniated Disc Serious?
See how an Artificial Disc Replacement is done
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