![]() In addition, there have been reports of the fusion hardware obstructing the proper movement of the structures involved in swallowing. This can cause stretching, dislodgement or damage of the nerves and muscles required for swallowing. The throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx) and food pipe (oesophagus) lies directly in front of the spine and needs to be mobilized and retracted during surgery. There is arare risk that their dysphagia will be permanent Causes: Studies estimate that about 10-30% of ACDF patients have some degree of swallowing difficulty for up to 2 years after surgery. However, sometimes, the dysphagia lasts for weeks, months, or even longer. Most ACDF patients fully recover their ability to swallow within a few days after surgery. 1 –Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusionĭysphagia is one of the most common complications following ACDF surgery. A fusion involves placing bone graft and/or implants where the disc originally was in order to provide stability and strength to the area, and stabilising the neck with screws.įig. Fusion: A cervical fusion is done at the same time as the discectomy operation in order to stabilize the cervical spine.To reach this area, the surgeon needs to retract and compress a number of neck structures (muscles, nerves, pharynx/oesophagus), and also avoid damaging these same structures The disc is then removed from between two or more vertebral bones. The spine is approached through the anterior (front) or posterior (behind) aspect of the neck. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a type of neck surgery that involves removing a damaged intervertebral disc, and stabilising the cervical spine to relieve spinal cord pressure and improve corresponding pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. ![]() It can happen rapidly, or slowly and has many causes. Dysphagia is the medical term for a sensation of difficulty or abnormality of swallowing.Swallowing is a complicated sequence of both voluntary and reflex movements, which needs your brain to coordinate many muscles and nerves.Swallowing Problems after Cervical Spine Surgery Definition:
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