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Corpectomy |
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| Symptoms | Cervical spinal canal can be narrowed by the formation of bone spurs, arising from the back of the vertebral body or the ligament behind the vertebral bodies. Traditional symptoms include neck pain, shoulder pain, pins and needles, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms and hands. More severe symptoms can include loss of balance, stumbling, and a loss of bowel and bladder control. |
| Treatment |
When the spinal cord is compressed, it is important
to relieve the pressure to prevent spinal cord damage. A cervical corpectomy
is the removal of a portion of the vertebra, and is performed in addition
to an anterior cervical discectomy
and fusion. |
| Recovery | In most
cases patients stay in the hospital for 24 hours, and generally do
not need a cervical collar. Most patients will notice immediate improvement
of their symptoms, however some symptoms may improve gradually. Occasionally
patients will experience a sore throat or some hoarseness for a few
days following surgery. A positive attitude, reasonable expectations
contribute to a satisfactory outcome. Most patients discontinue pain
medication and resume their regular activities within a few weeks. |
| The information in eSpine.com
is not intended as a substitute for medical advice but is to be used as
an aid in understanding back pain and neck pain. Always consult your physician
about your medical condition. |
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content and images © 1999-2010
eSpine, Inc. Last modified: October 1st, 2005 |
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