Cervical Neck Implants - Indications, Contraindications, Types, Benefits, and Techniques

Introduction:

Medical devices that are used during surgical procedures which help in treating various conditions that affect the cervical spine are called cervical neck implants. The cervical spine is the upper part of the spine located in the neck region. The cervical neck implants give stability, restore the height of the disc, improve fusion, and reduce symptoms associated with cervical spine disorders. Different conditions that can be resolved using cervical neck implants include degenerative disc diseases, cervical instability, cervical disc herniation, cervical spinal stenosis, and various other conditions which cause pain in the neck, reduced movement of the neck, or nerve compression. When medications, physical therapy, and other treatment has not given sufficient relief, cervical neck implants are used. They are available in different forms, like cervical fusion implants, cervical corpectomy implants, cervical intervertebral disc implants, cervical dynamic stabilization implants, etc. They are made up of bio-compatible materials like polymers or metal alloys, similar to the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical spine.

What Are the Indications of Cervical Neck Implants?

Cervical neck implants are indicated in cases where the patient does not respond to conservative treatments like injections, physical therapy, or medications. Some of the commonly indicated conditions for cervical neck implants include the following:

• Degenerative Disc Disease - In this condition, the intervertebral disc in the cervical spine will wear down. It can be due to trauma, age, or various other factors. Cervical intervertebral disc implants are indicated in patients who have degenerative disc disease.

• Herniated Discs - It is also called a ruptured or slipped disc. The soft inner core of the disc will protrude outside and compress nearby nerves, resulting in pain in the arm and neck, numbness, or weakness. Cervical fusion implants or cervical intervertebral implants are indicated in such cases.

• Spinal Instability - Degenerative changes, trauma, or other factors can result in instability of the cervical spine and abnormal movement between the vertebrae. Cervical fusion implants are indicated for patients with spinal instability to prevent further damage.

• Cervical Facet Joint Pain - Cervical facet joint pain can be due to inflammation or degeneration. In such cases, cervical posterior facets in plants are indicated.

• Other Conditions - The cervical neck implants are also indicated in other conditions like infections, deformities, cervical fractures, tumors, etc.

What Are the Contraindications of Cervical Neck Implants?

Some of the common contraindications of cervical neck implants include the following:

• People with poor general health, like cardiovascular diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, or immunocompromised patients.

• Active spinal infection.

• Sensitivity or allergy to implant materials.

• Patients with poor-quality of bone due to osteopenia, osteoporosis, etc.

• People with unrealistic expectations.

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

• People with severe spinal deformities like kyphosis or scoliosis.

What Are the Different Types of Cervical Neck Implants?

There are different types of cervical neck implants available for different cervical problems. Some of the commonly used cervical neck implants include the following:

• Cervical Intervertebral Disc Implants - This type of cervical neck implant is usually used to replace a herniated disc or degenerated cervical spine. They are made up of plastic, ceramic, or metal and restore the normal height of the disc and carry out the normal movements between the adjacent vertebrae. These are indicated in cervical disc replacement surgery when the damaged disc is removed.

• Cervical Fusion Implants - They help improve the fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae. This helps in improving stability and decreases the movement between the cervical spine.

• Cervical Posterior Facet Implants - This helps in improving the support and stabilization of the facet joint present in the cervical spine. It helps reduce pain and improves stability in case of facet joint degeneration.

• Cervical Dynamic Stabilization Implants - This type of implant helps give stability to the cervical spine and allows some degree of movement between the cervical vertebra.

• Cervical Plating Systems- These cervical neck implants contain screws and plates which help stabilize the cervical spine by fixing rigidly. They help in improving bone healing in cases of spinal deformity or instability.

What Are the Benefits of Cervical Neck Implants?

The benefits of cervical neck implants include the following:

• It helps reduce neck pain caused by various conditions like herniated discs, cervical facet joint pain, or degenerative disc diseases. With the help of cervical spine implants, there will be stabilization of the neck which will help reduce the pain and improve the quality of life.

• The cervical neck implant helps in restoring the function of the neck. The restoration of neck function depends on the type of cervical implant used. In the case of artificial cervical disc implants, it helps preserve the motion of the neck, which will help in maintaining a natural range of motion for the neck when compared to the cervical fusion implant in which there will be a fusion of two or more vertebrae. Restoring and maintaining the function of the neck helps in improving the quality of life.

• Some cervical spine conditions can cause compression of the nerves and result in a tingling sensation, numbness, or weakness in the arms. With the use of cervical neck implants, these symptoms can be stabilized by the decompression of the nerve and thereby reduce the pressure on the nerve.

• Some cervical neck implants, like cervical fusion implants, help in restoring the stability of the spine. It is helpful in cases with abnormal motion or instability between two vertebrae. This will help in reducing the damage which is caused due to instability and will help in improving the healing process.

• The fusion of cervical vertebrae can decrease the motion and increase the stress at the adjacent segment leading to segment degeneration. Artificial cervical disc implants help preserve neck motion and decrease adjacent segment degeneration compared with cervical fusion surgery.

Which Are the Different Techniques Used in Cervical Neck Implant Surgery?

Different techniques used in cervical neck implant surgery include the following:

• Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion - The damaged disc is removed from the anterior part of the neck and replaced with a cervical fusion implant or cervical intervertebral disc implant, which helps improve stability and fusion.

• Posterior Cervical Fusion - In this method, the cervical spine is accessed from the posterior part of the neck. It uses cervical fusion implants containing screws, plates, and cages for rods that help improve stability and fusion.

• Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement - A degenerated or damaged cervical disc is replaced with an artificial disc implant which helps restore the normal height and motion of the disc.

• Dynamic Stabilization Surgery - In this technique, cervical dynamic stabilization implants are used to provide some degree of motion.

• Cervical Corpectomy - A part of the vertebral body is removed due to any pathology or tumor, and it is replaced with a cervical corpectomy implant which helps restore stability and improves fusion.

• Laminoplasty - In this technique, a bony arch that protects the spinal cord is made and repositioned, creating space for the nerve roots and spinal cord.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, a medical device that is used to treat different conditions that affect the cervical spine is called a cervical neck implant. They give stability, improve fusion, restore the height of the disc, and reduce symptoms associated with cervical spine disorders. It helps in giving significant benefits to people having various cervical spine conditions. Always consult a qualified health professional to discuss the potential risks and complications associated with cervical spine implants.