What Is Anterior Cervical Discectomy?

Anterior Cervical Discectomy is a surgery performed on the neck to remove damaged disc material that is causing pain and other symptoms. The Erie neck injury lawyers at Purchase, George and Murphey, P.C. offer information, video, and animation of this procedure for people considering this procedure for themselves or for their loved ones.

A discectomy is a procedure by which the surgeon removes a portion of the disc material found between the vertebrae of the spine. Generally, it is performed because the nucleus pulposus (the soft gooey center of the disc) has escaped the confining border of the disc (the annulus fibrosus) and is applying pressure to either the spinal cord or the nerve roots. The surgeon removes the offending disc material to relieve the pain and other symptoms caused by stress on the spinal cord or nerve root.

When this surgery is performed on the neck (the top 7 vertebrae), it is referred to as a cervical discectomy. When the surgeon approaches the disc through the front (or anterior portion) of the neck, it is referred to as an anterior cervical discectomy.

An incision is made in the front of the neck (usually on the left side to avoid the laryngeal nerve on the right) and the surgeon moves aside structures such as the trachea to gain access to the vertebrae. After the disc is cut away, the surrounding vertebrae are often fused.

A video of the procedure can be seen via this LINK. An animation of the same procedure is available HERE.

Free Consultation with Experienced Erie, PA Personal Injury Lawyers

The Erie neck injury lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. have experience with cases involving anterior cervical discectomies. These cases often result from car accidents, truck accidents, or slip and falls. Our primary goal and objective is to make sure that our clients and their families receive the compensation and resources they need to treat and manage their spine injury and to compensate them for their losses.

As skilled Erie injury lawyers who have helped injured clients who have required discectomies, we understand how to evaluate these cases and help you obtain the funds necessary to pay for your discectomy and attendant medical care.

Call Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. today, toll free at 814-273-2010, to schedule your free and confidential consultation with an Erie lawyer who has experience in cases involving neck injuries, including neck injuries that require surgical care.