Ruptured Disc Surgery
Herniated disc or ruptured disc surgery takes place at the spinal cord area of the body. The spinal cord is made up of various bones known as vertebrae which are piled on top of each other to protect the nerves of the spinal cord. In between the vertebrae, there are small cushioned discs that allow keeping the spine flexible and also protecting as shock absorbers. When the disc gets damaged or moves out of its place or has a crack in the outer shell, it tends to become a herniated disc or ruptured disc.
Symptoms of Ruptured Disc:
When the spinal disc gets damaged or injured or under goes a wear and tear situation due to aging, the discs bulge or project out of its place causing discomfort to the person. Depending upon the location of the herniated disc, symptoms occur in the affected area as weakness, severe pain, numbness and tingling.
The symptoms vary based on the location of the herniated disc. If the herniated disc is at the neck area, the symptoms spread to the shoulder, hands, arms or the chest area. Such as if the herniated disc is at the lower back, the symptoms would spread to the leg or the foot area.
Diagnosis for Herniated Disc:
The doctor would examine the patient completely to understand the reason for the herniated disc. The doctor would suggest an MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) to identify the exact location of the herniated disc and the seriousness of the problem. The MRI images would provide details of the soft tissue of the spine which includes the muscles, tendons, ligament and discs. A CT (Computed tomography) scan may also be done to study in detail the structure of the bone of the spine area.
EMG (Electromyography) is another important investigation done to understand the diseases that have damaged to the muscle tissue, nerves or the points where the nerve and muscle join.
Treatment for Herniated Disc:
Spine surgery is considered if the non-surgical method does not relieve the symptoms;
Anterior cervical discectomy:
This is one of the most preferred method opted by the doctors to treat herniated discs. In order to let go of the nerve pressure, surgery is done which involves partial disc removal or discectomy. The surgery is normally done from the front side of the neck, through a small incision that is done by the surgeon. After the removal of the disc, the disc space itself is fused. A plate is added in the front of the graft to gain stability and also for a better fusion rate.
Posterior cervical discectomy:
This type of surgery is applicable for discs that occur laterally out in the neural foreman. This kind of surgery is technically difficult since there are lot of veins in this area which can cause a lot of bleeding during the surgery.