RESTORING MOBILITY AND RELIEVING PRESSURE
Struggling with neck pain, difficulty moving, or nerve-related symptoms like arm numbness and weakness? When spinal stenosis or other conditions compress the spinal cord or nerves in your neck, it can disrupt your life. If non-surgical treatments haven't provided relief, PCD may be the answer. By creating more space for your spinal cord and nerves, this procedure helps restore function, reduce pain, and get you back to doing your daily activities pain-free.
What is A PCD?
A posterior cervical decompression is a minimally invasive surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the neck. Through a small incision in the back of the neck, the surgeon removes part of the vertebra or disc compressing the nerve. Techniques like laminotomy or foraminotomy widen nerve passageways, promoting recovery with minimal tissue damage and reducing symptoms, such as:
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The Posterior Cervical Decompression Procedure
A posterior cervical decompression is a minimally invasive surgery aimed at relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves in the neck area. The surgeon makes a small incision in the back of the neck and uses specialized instruments to remove part of the vertebra or disc that is compressing the nerve. This precise approach minimizes damage to surrounding tissues and improves recovery time. To relieve the pressure on the nerves or spinal cord, a laminotomy or a foraminotomy may be performed, meaning the part of your vertebra compressing on your nerves will be eroded to widen their passageways and relieve your symptoms.
Procedure highlights
Posterior cervical decompression offers a precise and minimally invasive solution for relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Below are the key aspects of this advanced surgical procedure
- Minimally invasive surgery with a small incision in the back of the neck
- Precise decompression techniques to widen passageways
- Fast recovery' most patients can go home the same day, resume light activities within a few days
As with any surgery, a posterior cervical decompression carries inherent risks and potential complications which, although relatively uncommon, can occur. At Ortho Westmount, we take every precaution to minimize complications and ensure your safety throughout the process. Complications specific to this procedure include:
- Risks include
Infection of the surgical site (2.9–10.3%) - Neurologic deficit: some loss of nerve motor or sensory function, causing weakness or numbness (8.5%)
- C5 palsy: shoulder weakness or paralysis from nerve damage (6.7–9.5%)
- Dural tear: a tear in the membrane covering the spinal cord, leading to fluid leakage
(0.8–3.9%)
tenderness, numbness, weakness, or stiffness (3.4–17.6%)- Abnormal forward bending of the spine near the surgical area
- Failure of the bones to properly heal and fuse after surgery
Personalized Care Every Step of the Way
From pre-surgical consultations to post-operative recovery, the team at Ortho Westmount will provide comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs. We employ a multimodal pain management strategy and monitor your progress closely to ensure you are on track for a full recovery. Our priority is to restore your quality of life and help you get back to doing what you love.
Ready to Take
the First Step?
Struggling with neck pain or nerve-related symptoms? Ortho Westmount is here to help. Our expert spine surgeons will work with you to determine if a posterior cervical decompression is the right solution for your condition.
