Rhizotomy and why they are needed
The human spine is made up of many independent parts. Most people are aware of the existence of vertebrae and the intervertebral disc material, but they only make up a portion of the entire spine.
Back and neck pain is a relatively common problem but there are sometimes underlying issues that are more serious than others. In many cases, back pain can be remedied with bed rest, hot and cold therapy or perhaps chiropractic care. In more serious cases, however, it may be necessary to have minimally invasive surgery performed. One of those types of surgeries that is performed on the cervical spine, or the area of the spine that is in the neck. It is known as an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).
A number of issues may be corrected with this type of surgery. It is typically performed when there is a problem with one of the discs, such as if it is herniated or if you have a problem with degenerative disc disease. Those intervertebral discs exist between all of the vertebrae in the spine, including the upper spine and area of the neck. When a problem exists, it may be necessary to remove the disc from the neck so that the pain and other difficulties you may be experiencing are reduced. Dr. Dickerman can perform the ACDF surgery and he is the best choice in the Dallas Metroplex.
People from throughout the Frisco area contact Dr. Dickerman to perform this surgery and to help with other spinal problems. When you contact Dr. Dickerman, you can be certain that your problem will be cared for properly.
Something important to understand is the fact that spinal surgery is not going to be the first line of defense when it comes to any problems you may be experiencing. There may be alternatives available that don’t involve surgery for issues with the intervertebral discs. It is only after those other possibilities are discounted that ACDF surgery would be considered.
Any type of surgery that is labeled a discectomy means that the disc is going to be cut out of the body. A discectomy may take place in any part of the spine but if it is in the area of the neck, the cervical spine, this type of surgery may be necessary. The disc is accessed by a small incision in the throat area. Muscles, the esophagus and trachea are moved out of the way in order to expose the vertebrae and the offending disc. At that point, one of the discs or perhaps several may be removed.
That is not the end of the procedure. It will still be necessary to fill the empty space between the vertebrae in order to prevent them from rubbing together and collapsing. A graft is typically used in this case that spans the bridge between the vertebrae in a procedure known as a spinal fusion. This helps to keep the vertebrae in place and keeps further problems from developing.
Dr. Dickerman can discuss this type of surgery with you. He is a spine fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and has helped many people with their back problems.