Anterior Cervical Discectomy Positioning: Understanding Surgical Access

An anterior cervical discectomy is a surgical procedure designed to repair damaged spinal (vertebral) discs in the neck. Surgeons gain access to the affected disc through an opening near the throat.

The Facts

• According to the Mayfield Clinic, the term discectomy refers to the surgical removal of a damaged vertebral disc. Anterior cervical discectomies gain their name because they require access from the front (anterior) of the neck.

Positioning the Neck

• Your surgeon will perform an anterior discectomy while you lie on your back with your neck in a neutral position. Entry to the affected disc is gained by moving the neck muscles and pulling back the esophagus, trachea and neck arteries.

Positioning Tension Spreaders

• Access to the affected disc may be improved by mechanical tensioning spreaders positioned on the bones (vertebrae) above and below the disc.

Positioning Bone Grafts

• In some cases, an individual undergoing an anterior cervical discectomy may also require a bone graft to maintain proper height between the vertebrae, according to SpineUniverse. During a graft, surgeons take bone material from the hip or a bone graft donor and position it between the vertebrae before fusing it into place.

Positioning Screws and Plates

• Some individuals may also require the use of screws or plates positioned to reinforce the bone graft site.