Cervical Spine Surgery In India
What is Cervical Spine Surgery ?
The goal of cervical spine surgery is to relieve pain, numbness, tingling and weakness, restore nerve function and stop or prevent abnormal motion in the spine. Your surgeon does this by removing a disc or a bone and fusing the vertebrae together with a bone graft either in front of or behind the spine. The bone graft may be one of two types: an autograft (bone taken from your body) or an allograft (bone from a bone bank). Sometimes metal plates, screws or wires are also used to further stabilize the spine. These techniques are called instrumentation. When the vertebrae have been surgically stabilized, abnormal motion is stopped and function is restored to the spinal nerves.
Stop Smoking
If you smoke, it is important that you stop smoking for at least two weeks before your surgery and for six weeks after your surgery. Studies have shown that smoking interferes with healing of your bone graft.
Activity in India
Activity is a very important part of your recovery. Since walking is the best way to recuperate and heal tissue, there are no restrictions for walking or stair climbing. You should not lift any objects heavier than 10 pounds, especially over your head, for the first four to six weeks at home.
You can sleep in any position that is comfortable for you, as long as your collar/brace is worn properly. Many patients find it comfortable to sleep in a reclining chair, or with a pillow under their shoulders, allowing their neck to extend into a comfortable position. You may not drive but you can take short rides as a passenger.
Medical Doctor in India
Your orthopedic doctor may ask you to visit a medical doctor to be sure you have no health problems that could interfere with your surgery. The medical doctor will confer with your family physician or internist about any specific medical problems you may have. He or she will also follow your medical status during your hospital stay.
Cervical Deformity
Patients with a deformity in their cervical spine, such as hyperlordosis or swan neck deformity, may benefit from surgery to straighten and stabilize the spine. Injury Since the neck is so flexible it is vulnerable to injury. Some injuries can cause a fracture and or dislocation of the cervical vertebra. In a severe injury the spinal cord may also be damaged. Patients with a fracture, especially with spinal cord damage, undergo surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine.
Preadmission Testing and Evaluation in India
Your doctor’s office will schedule your appointment to have a preadmission evaluation,
Which May Include Some Or All Of The Following : –
- Medical history and physical examination by a nurse practitioner
- Anesthesia interview
- Blood and urine tests
- Electrocardiogram
- Spine X-rays, MRI, CT Scan or myelogram as needed
- Patient teaching
Hospital Care in India
Although each patient’s procedure and recovery is different, the usual hospital stay for cervical spine surgery is one to two days. Most patients will be discharged home but some may go to a rehabilitation facility before returning to their home. Each patient will be evaluated during the hospital stay to determine if he or she needs rehabilitation. If you will be returning home, your doctor may ask the home care coordinator to arrange for a visiting nurse and/or therapist. If you will be going to a rehabilitation center, the social worker will coordinate your transfer.
The goal of your care after surgery is to help you become independent so you can return home. By discharge, you should be able to : –
- Get in and out of bed yourself
- Walk in the hallway with or without a cane or walker
- Climb stairs, if needed at home
- Bathe and care for your personal hygiene
- Understand all instructions for your recovery
