Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion Spine Surgery

Candidates for a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion

Facet joint disorders can often be treated nonsurgically and physicians will usually attempt nonsurgical treatments prior to considering surgery. The severity of a facet joint disorder may lead to restorative procedures such as a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion. If the facet is severely fractured or displaced, or if additional conditions such as spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc are also present, surgery may be recommended.

What is a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion?

Pain caused by facet joint syndrome or spinal arthritis can be treated with a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion. In the procedure, two or more vertebrae are fused together to prevent the joint movement causing pain. A Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion aims to improve the stability of the segment of the spine that is affected.

It is typical for facet joint procedures to be performed minimally invasive and/or endoscopically through a small incision. In a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion, a small incision is made at the base of the back of the neck for a posterior approach. The procedure can often be done simultaneously with an additional procedure to treat the damaged vertebra. The vertebra may be partially removed, a facet joint fracture may be repaired or the facet joint may be trimmed to remove bone spurs prior to performing the fusion.

Once the initial procedure is performed, a fusion may be necessary to promote stability and reduce painful movements within the spine. Two or more vertebrae are joined together to maintain positioning and spacing and will eventually grow to become one solid portion of the spine.

Results of a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion Procedure

A minimally invasive approach to a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion procedure will typically result in less damage to the tissue and allow for a more rapid recovery. Following the procedure, flexibility of the treated segment is reduced and the goal is for the portion of the spine to be stabilized. The motion between the vertebrae that had previously been causing pain has, hopefully, subsided and following recovery, patients should experience reduced or eliminated pain, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling.

What are the risks of a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion?

Risk is ever-present during surgical procedures. It is possible the Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion is not successful and additional surgeries may be necessary. Risk of infection, excessive bleeding, damage to the nerves or severe allergic reaction is present.

Procedures performed alongside a Cervical Posterior Facet Joint Fusion carry their own risks. Removal of a facet may cause degeneration over time, affecting the intervertebral disc and/or other facet joints.