Posterior cervical surgery is performed through the back of the neck. Professor Bateman’s leaflet below includes foraminotomy, laminectomy, laminoplasty and posterior cervical decompression and fusion.
Why might it be needed?
These operations create more room for a compressed nerve or spinal cord. The aim may be to reduce arm pain, prevent further loss of function, or both. The best approach depends on where the pressure lies and whether the spine needs stabilising.
What happens?
Under general anaesthetic, Professor Bateman checks the correct level with imaging and removes or reshapes bone and ligament to make space. Some operations also use screws and rods to support a fusion.
What are the alternatives?
Some arm pain improves without an operation and may be managed with medication, physiotherapy or an injection. An operation through the front of the neck may be another option. Progressive spinal cord symptoms require particular care when weighing delay against surgery.
What are the risks?
Risks include persistent symptoms, infection, bleeding, nerve or spinal cord injury, a tear in the covering of the cord, neck or shoulder pain, delayed wound healing and, for fusion, implant related problems. The precise risks vary considerably between the procedures.
Read about cervical myelopathy →
Detailed patient leaflet
Read Professor Bateman’s information leaflet before your procedure and bring any questions to your consultation.
Open the PDF leaflet →