What part of the body does the C7-T1 affect?
The C7-T1 spinal motion segment connects the neck (cervical spine) with the upper back (thoracic spine). Together they form the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ). Important features of this junction are: The highly flexible neck transitions to an almost inflexible upper back.
How long is recovery from cervical disc replacement surgery?
Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Recovery Time A full recovery typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, when heavier lifting and more vigorous activities may be resumed. If nerve compression prior to surgery was severe, healing in the nerve may continue for up to 1 or 2 years after surgery.
What can I expect after cervical disc replacement?
There is usually some pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery. Most commonly, the recovering patient has some pain and soreness at the incision site at the front of the neck. Other symptoms may also be present, such as trouble with swallowing or speaking.
What is the success rate of cervical disc replacement surgery?
The success rate for artificial cervical disc replacements is over 95 percent. This groundbreaking surgical method improves strength and resolves numbness and associated arm symptoms (ie; arm weakness, tingling, burning, numbness).
How common is C7-T1 disc herniation?
Disc herniations at the C7-T1 level, the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ), are rare, accounting for only 4% to 8% of all cervical disc herniation cases1,3).
Can C7 and T1 be fused?
While surgically treating the C7-T1 motion segment, surgeons typically fuse C7 and T1 vertebrae together, along with one or more adjacent vertebrae. This technique usually provides more stability to the CTJ, especially with severe fractures or rare conditions such as Klippel-Feil syndrome that may cause CTJ problems.
Is cervical disc replacement a major surgery?
Cervical disc replacement surgery is major surgery requiring a hospital stay. As with any major surgery, you should expect some discomfort and a period of rehabilitation.
Who is not a candidate for cervical disc replacement?
Cervical ADR is not recommended for patients with any of the following: Advanced spinal degeneration. Replacing a damaged disc cannot help improve problems associated with an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament or degenerating facet joints, such as from osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
Is C7 or T1 more prominent?
Spinous Process 5-14). The spinous process of C7 is the most prominent of the cervical region, although occasionally C6 is more prominent (C6 is the last cervical vertebra with palpable movement in flexion and extension). Also, the spinous process of T1 may be more prominent than that of C7 in some individuals.
When should you consider cervical disc replacement?
The candidate needs to have reached full skeletal maturity (with no more bone growth left) but still be in good enough health for the procedure’s benefits to outweigh the risks. Candidates for cervical ADR are typically between ages 20 and 70.
What is a C7 T1 herniated disc?
Herniated Disc C7-T1 A herniated disc C7-T1 is a fairly common place to experience a bulging disc and considerable deterioration of the overall intervertebral structure. This area marks the frontier between the cervical spine and the thoracic spine and is actually a strong and resilient intervertebral level.
How is C7 T1 vertebral surgery performed?
Surgery of the C7-T1 vertebral level may be performed from the front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the neck. An anterior surgical approach of the CTJ can be challenging due to: Lower visibility due to the presence of bones such as the first rib, the collar bone, and the breast bone.
What is C7 T1 and C7 T1?
T1 connects to the first rib with costovertebral joints. These vertebrae are held together with ligaments at multiple attachment points. C7-T1 intervertebral disc. A disc made of a thick fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) that surrounds an inner gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) is situated between the C7 and T1 vertebrae.
How do you fix C7 T1?
Surgical Treatment for C7-T1 1 Presence of important blood vessels and nerves. In order to avoid damage to these structures, a posterior approach may be preferred while surgically treating the CTJ. 2 Laminectomy. 3 Laminotomy. 4 Posterior cervical decompression.