Cervical disc access

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

interjectionreflection

Full Member
2+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Anyone ever do cervical disc procedures? Seen a few posts pop up lately on this, various different technologies and treatments. Not looking to do this but got me thinking if anyone actually does cervical disc access and procedures?
 
I used to do 3 level cervical discograms. Might be my least favorite procedure

Anterior approach. Compress tissue between trachea and scm. Distract carotid lateral a bit. Aim for top of VB Poke. Hit os release tissue while keeping needle tip in place. Then move into disc

Very hard to keep hands out of beam.
 
Anyone ever do cervical disc procedures? Seen a few posts pop up lately on this, various different technologies and treatments. Not looking to do this but got me thinking if anyone actually does cervical disc access and procedures?
Another high risk low reward procedure with little information pointing to improvement in patient outcomes. Where do I sign up?
 
This is what happens when you stick needles in discs and F around with the nucleus. 1 year between these MRIs.
1000014086.png
1000014087.png
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Successful fusion!

Is there literally any reason to do these? Old school neurosurgeon likes them, but I declined.
 
This particular patient had a 6-7 tdr (not seen in this image) and there was some surgical decision making on whether to/which level to acdf vs tdr one or more levels above based on cervical disco
 
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad