Cervical Spine Surgery: Arthroplasty Versus Fusion Versus Posterior Foraminotomy.

Abstract

Three procedures dominate surgical management of degenerative cervical spine disorders: posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy (PCF), cervical total disc replacement (CTDR), and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Together they provide a 360° approach to degenerative cervical spine disease that help surgeons reach the correct treatment decisions. ACDF, CTDR, and PCF are effective procedures for the treatment of a broad range of degenerative cervical disorders. Minimally invasive technique, outpatient setting, motion preservation, and adjacent segment disease should be taken into consideration in the surgical plan. All well-rounded spine surgeons should be skilled at both anterior and posterior approaches to treat radiculopathy.