Complications of cervical disk surgery
Ullman, J.S.; Camins, M.B.; Post, K.D.
Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine new York 61(3): 276-279
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-2507 PMID: 8072513 Document Number: 430175
The common complications of cervical disk surgery using the posterior and the anterior approach are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of diskectomy with and without fusion are also presented. Complications of cervical disk surgery are a function of the type of procedure, the specific anatomic approach, and the experience of the surgeon. Although the posterior approach may be used for posterolateral or lateral herniated disks and foramenal osteophytes, the anterior approach is safer for central herniated disks and osteophyte formation. At The Mount Sinai Hospital, anterior-approach cervical diskectomy, whether with or without fusion, is preferred to the posterior approach for all herniations.