A cervical herniated disc can cause pain in the arm when it compresses a cervical nerve. In some cases, symptoms include tingling, numbness and muscle weakness in the arm. In this type of surgery the approach to the herniation is from the back of the cervical spine. A posterior approach with a small incision and progressive muscle dilation is used. Then high speed drilling of the medial side of the facet (posterior articuluation) is used in order to access the compressed nerve root. The pressure from the nerve is relieved by complete excision of the herniated disc.
Performed under general anaesthetic
Patients are discharged on day 2, post surgery. Follow up consultation(s) with surgeon required