Spinal Fusion: Cervical

Fusing vertebrae in the cervical curve may help ease neck and arm pain. Two or more vertebrae in your neck are fused. Cervical fusion is usually done through an incision in the front of the neck. It may sometimes be done through the back of the neck, or through both the front and back. The surgery generally takes from 1–4 hours.

Cervical vertebrae

The Fusion Procedure

These steps apply to fusion from the front of the neck:

• The disk is removed from between the vertebrae.

• Bone graft is packed into the now-empty space between the vertebrae. In time, the graft and the bone around it will grow into a solid unit.

• To help keep your spine steady and promote fusion, extra support (see below) may be used

• The incision is closed with sutures or staples.

The disk between the vertebrae is removed.

Bone graft is packed into the now-empty space between the vertebrae.

Over a few months, the bone graft and vertebrae fuse into a solid unit.

If Extra Support Is Needed

Metal supports called instrumentation may be used to help steady your spine while it fuses. Your surgeon may use one or more types of support, such as a plate or a cage. A plate is a metal piece put across the front of the vertebrae and graft. It is secured with screws. A cage is a plastic or metal “basket” that is packed with bone graft. This is inserted into the empty space where the disk was removed. These supports remain in the body and are not removed.