OrthoNeuroSpine & Pain Institute

What are the implications of surgery?

Most patients are admitted on the same day as their surgery; however some patients are admitted the day before. Patients admitted the day before surgery include those who: reside in country regions, interstate, or overseas; have complex medical conditions or who take warfarin; require further investigations before their surgery; are first on the operating list for the day. You will be given instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your admission.

You will be in hospital for between 1 and 3 days after your surgery. You will be given instructions about any physical restrictions that will apply following surgery, and these are summarised later in this section.

Several X-rays of your neck will be taken during surgery to make sure that the correct spinal level is being fused, and also to optimise the positioning of cages, screws and plates (see later). It is critical that you inform us if you are pregnant or think you could possibly be pregnant, as X-rays may be harmful to the unborn child.

There is significant variability between patients in terms of the outcome from surgery, as well as the time taken to recover. You will be given instructions about physical restrictions, as well as your return to work and resumption of recreational activities. You should not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery until instructed to do so by your neurosurgeon.

You should not sign or witness legal documents until reviewed by your GP post-operatively, as the anaesthetic can sometimes temporarily muddle your thinking.

An important issue relating to spinal fusion is that by fusing level of the spine, slightly increased stress is placed upon the levels directly above and below the fusion. This increases the risk of degeneration at these levels and, therefore, the possibility that you may need further surgery in the future. You should discuss this issue further with your neurosurgeon.

Fusion of the cervical spine results in a degree of loss of movement in the neck, mainly in terms of bending your neck forwards and backwards. For a one level fusion, this loss of movement is usually barely noticeable (if at all). There is usually a small but definite loss of movement following a two level fusion, with more significant loss of movement following a three or four level fusion.

What do you need to tell the doctor before surgery?

It is important that you tell your surgeon if you:

• Have blood clotting or bleeding problems
• Have ever had blood clots in your legs (DVT or deep venous thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary emboli)
• Are taking aspirin, warfarin, or anything else (even some herbal supplements) that might thin your blood
• Have high blood pressure
• Have any allergies
• Have any other health problems

What do I need to do before surgery?

Before you surgery it is imperative that you stop smoking, and you should not smoke for at least 12 months after (it is preferable that you cease permanently). Smoking impairs the fusion process and leads to worse outcomes following surgery.

If you are fairly overweight, it is advisable that you engage in a sensible weight loss program before you surgery. Please discuss this with your GP and neurosurgeon.

In order to prevent unwanted bleeding during or after surgery, it is critical that you stop taking aspirin, and any other antiplatelet (blood-thinning) medications or substances including herbal remedies at least 2 weeks before your surgery.

If you normally take warfarin, you will usually be admitted to hospital 3 or 4 days before your surgery. Your warfarin will be ceased at that time (it takes a few days to wear off) and you may be commenced on shorter-acting anti-clotting agents for a few days. These can then be stopped a day or so before surgery.

Ideally, you should take a Zinc tablet a day, commencing one month before surgery, and continuing for 3 months after. This should help wound healing.

Will I need further investigations?

Most patients will have had X-rays of their neck, as well as a CT scan and MRI. Sometimes ‘dynamic’ X-rays of the cervical spine are performed, with X-rays taken bending the neck forwards and backwards; this is to determine the presence and site of any instability.

In some patients there is uncertainty either about the diagnosis or exactly which disc or discs in the neck are responsible for their symptoms: in those patients, nerve conduction studies and/or a nerve block may shed light on the diagnostic issues.

If you have not had an MRI for over 12 months before your surgery, or if your symptoms have changed significantly since your most recent MRI, then this investigation will need to be repeated to make sure that there are no surprises at the time of surgery!

Who will perform surgery? Who else will be involved?

Surgery will be carried out by your Precision Spine & Pain Clinic surgeon. A surgical assistant will be present and an experienced consultant anaesthetist will be responsible for your general anaesthetic.

How is an ACDF performed?

A general anaesthetic will be administered to put you to sleep. A breathing tube (‘endotracheal tube’) will be inserted and intravenous antibiotics and steroids injected (to prevent infection and post-operative nausea). Calf compression devices will be used throughout surgery to minimise the risk of developing blood clots in your legs.

Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic solution and some local anaesthetic will be injected.

The skin incision is about 2-3cm across the front of your neck. It is horizontal and can be made to the left or right hand side of the neck. The thin muscle immediately beneath the skin is split. Dissection is then performed along the natural planes of the neck, going between the food pipe and wind pipe on one side, and the carotis artery (a major blood vessel to the brain) on the other.

The thin layer of fibrous tissue (‘fascia’) that covers the front of the spine is dissected away from the disc space. A needle is inserted into the disc space and an x-ray is performed to confirm that the correct disc is being operated upon.

The disc is then removed (discectomy) by first cutting the outer annulus fibrosis (fibrous ring around the disc) and removing the nucleus pulposus (the soft inner core of the disc). The dissection is performed using a microscope or special surgical magnifying glasses (‘loupes’) to aid with visualization of the canal and nerves.

Disc removal is performed using a combination of special instruments. Adjacent bone is often removed using a fine drill; this is done to recontour the disc space for later fusion, to provide safe access to the spinal canal, and to allow removal of extra bone growth (‘osteophytes’) at the back of the disc space.

A ligament (‘posterior longitudinal ligament’) directly in front of the spinal cord is gently removed to allow access to the spinal canal to remove any disc material that may have extruded through the ligament.

Each nerve root (when appropriate) is identified and carefully decompressed (this is known as a ‘rhizolysis’).

The residual space can be replaced with a cage made out of PEEK, carbon fibre, or trabecular metal. The cage is filled with a combination of bone shavings, growth factors, and/or granules of tricalcium phosphate (a bone graft is rarely taken from the hip). Bone eventually grows through the cage and ideally will join or fuse the vertebrae together (fusion). It usually takes a few months for the vertebrae to completely fuse.

In some cases, instrumentation (a plate and screws) will also be used to add stability to the spine.

Another X-ray is performed to confirm satisfactory cage, plate and screw positioning, as well as cervical spine alignment.

The wound is closed with dissolving sutures. In some cases a wound drain may be used for 24-48 hours post-operatively.

What happens immediately after surgery?

It is usual to feel some pain after surgery, especially at the incision site. Pain medications are usually given to help control the pain. While tingling sensations or numbness is common, and should lessen over time, they should be reported to your neurosurgeon.

Most patients are up and moving around within a few hours of surgery. In fact, this is encouraged in order to keep circulation normal and avoid blood clot formation in the legs.

You will be able to drink after 4 hours, and should be able to eat a small amount later in the day. It is common to experience swallowing problems after surgery, and this is usually worst on days 2-4 post-operatively. These swallowing problems typically settle over several weeks, but it may take longer.

You will have X-rays or a CT scan a day or so after surgery, and can be discharged home when you are comfortable.

What happens after discharge?

You should be ready for discharge from hospital 1-3 days after surgery. Your GP should check your wounds 4 days after discharge. Your sutures are dissolving and do not require removal.

You will need to take it easy for 6 weeks, but should walk for at least an hour every day.

Bear in mind that the amount of time it takes to return to normal activities is different for every patient. Discomfort should decrease a little each day. Increases in energy and activity are signs that your post-operative recovery is progressing well. Maintaining a positive attitude, a healthy and well-balanced diet, and ensuring plenty of rest are excellent ways to speed up your recovery.

Signs of infection such as swelling, redness or discharge from the incision, and fever should be brought to the surgeon’s attention immediately.

A firm neck brace (‘Aspen collar’) is used after surgery. This is worn for 6 weeks if a plate is not placed during surgery (plates are avoided whenever possible due to a risk that they might cause persistent swallowing problems). If a plate is used at surgery, the collar is optional, and can be discarded after a couple of weeks. You cannot drive a motor vehicle while you are wearing the collar, and should also avoid driving for at least 2 weeks after surgery if you are not wearing a collar. You should not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery your neurosurgeon gives you the go-ahead.

You will be reviewed after 6-8 weeks by your neurosurgeon. Until then, you should not lift objects weighing more than 2-3kg, and should not engage in repetitive neck or arm movements.

Smoking and anti-inflammatory medications impair fusion. Smoking should be avoided for at least 12 months after surgery, and anti-inflammatory medications can be used for a couple of weeks in the early post-operative period only.

You should continue wearing your TED stockings for a couple of weeks after surgery.

Detailed discharge instructions are as follows:

Diet:

Maintain normal healthy diet, high in fibre to avoid constipation

Medications:

You may be prescribed analgesia, muscle relaxants, and stool softeners. Be aware that analgesics tend to cause constipation. Please take only the analgesia that has been prescribed for you.

Activity:

Allowances:

• Frequent short walks (at least 1-2 hours per day) or as directed by your neurosurgeon.
• Travelling by car is allowed for short distances. If you are making longer trips, break the trips up into 30-40 minute segments, getting out of the car to go for a short walk.
• Walking up and down stairs
• Restrictions:
• No twisting, rotating the neck
• Do not lift anything heavier than 2kg. Light housework only – no hanging washing out on the line, carrying baskets of clothing, no vacuuming, mowing.
• No driving until you cease wearing your collar or are advised to drive by your neurosurgeon.
• No exercising/ playing sports until you are cleared by your surgeon to commence.

Cervical Collar:

You may have a cervical collar prescribed, please use the collar as prescribed by your surgeon. You may remove it for showering at the discretion of the surgeon. Please keep your head centred and do not rotate or move your head up & down while your collar is off.

Smoking:

Smoking impairs wound healing and damages the discs in your back. Stopping smoking may improve outcomes.

Wound Care:

• Your sutures are dissolvable
• Have your GP check your wound 4 days post discharge from hospital. A new waterproof dressing will need to be applied. This is to be left on for a further 3-4 days then replaced.
• Keep wound dry for 12-14 days after surgery
• Shower if the dressing is intact. If the wound becomes moist, it will need to be dried and a new dressing applied.
• When drying your wound, dab it very gently (do not rub!)
• Report any redness, discharge, persistent oozing or clear drainage from the wound to your GP or to Precision Spine & Pain Clinic.
• Avoid swimming, spas or baths until your wound has completely healed, or until your neurosurgeon advises that these can be commenced.
• Keep taking your Zinc tablets daily for 3 months after surgery (this helps wound healing).
• You should gently rub Vitamin E cream into your wound commencing 3 weeks after surgery and continuing for 6-12 months (this may reduce scarring)
• What do I need to tell my surgeon about after the operation?
• You should notify your neurosurgeon and should also see your GP if you experience any of the following after discharge from hospital:
• Increasing arm or leg pain, weakness or numbness
• Worsening neck pain
• Increasing swallowing problems
• Problems with your walking or balance
• Fever
• Swelling, redness, increased temperature or suspected infection of the wound
• Leakage of fluid from the wound
• Pain or swelling in your calf muscles (ie. below your knees)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Any other concerns

What are there results of surgery?

Overall, 80-90% of patients will obtain a significant benefit from surgery, and this is usually maintained in the long term.

Generally, the symptom that improves the most reliably after surgery is arm pain. Neck pain and headaches may or may not improve (very occasionally they can be worse). The next symptom to improve is usually weakness. Your strength may not return completely back to normal, however. Improvement in strength generally occurs over weeks and months. Numbness or pins and needles may or may not improve with surgery, due to the fact that the nerve fibres transmitting sensation are thinner and more vulnerable to pressure (they are more easily permanently damaged than the other nerve fibres). Numbness can take up to 12 months to improve.

What are the costs of surgery?

Private patients undergoing surgery will generally have some out-of-pocket expenses.

A quotation for surgery will be issued, however this is an estimate only. The final amount charged may vary with the eventual procedure undertaken, operative findings, technical issues etc.

You should fully understand the costs involved with surgery before going ahead, and should discuss any queries with your surgeon.

What is the consent process?

You will be asked to sign a consent form before surgery. This form confirms that you understand all of the treatment options, as well as the risks and potential benefits of surgery. If you are unsure, you should ask for further information and only sign the form when you are completely satisfied.