What is Anterior Cervical Discectomy?

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.

The Erie neck injury lawyers at Purchase & George, 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 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 today, toll free 877-505-9548 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.

We will fight for your legal rights to the money and resources you need to fix what can be fixed, help what can be helped and make up for what cannot be fixed or helped.