Surgery of the Cervical Spine – patient information to assist informed consent
This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery on the cervical spine. The topics discussed include:
- Anatomy of the spine
- Causes of spinal nerve compression (such as a herniated disc, degeneration and a tumour)
- Spinal cord compression and cervical spinal nerve compression
The different surgical procedures to relieve a pinched nerve in the neck are described. The surgeries discussed include:
- Cervical laminectomy
- Anterior cervical discectomy
- Anterior cervical vertebrectomy
- Cervical foraminotomy
This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering surgery for the relief of severe symptoms, such as pain, numbness and tingling. The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.
Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Surgery of the cervical spine is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.