Cervical Copectomy
Cervical corpectomy is an advanced spine surgery offered in Calicut by Dr Shafeek, aimed at relieving severe spinal cord or nerve compression in the neck. Unlike a discectomy that removes only the intervertebral disc, corpectomy involves removing one or more vertebral bodies along with adjacent discs to create a wider corridor for the spinal cord and nerves. This procedure is especially effective for multi-level spinal stenosis, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), fractures, infections, or tumors. By decompressing the spinal cord thoroughly, cervical corpectomy alleviates neck and arm pain, numbness, weakness, balance issues, and can prevent progressive myelopathy or paralysis, making it one of the best treatments for complex cervical disorders.
Performed through an anterior (front of the neck) approach under general anesthesia, a small incision is made, and muscles, trachea, esophagus, and blood vessels are carefully retracted to expose the cervical spine. The affected vertebral body and adjacent discs are removed to decompress the spinal cord and nerve roots. The resulting space is reconstructed using a structural cage, titanium mesh with bone graft, or bone graft block to restore spine height and alignment. A small titanium plate with screws stabilizes the vertebrae while the graft fuses into a solid unit over time. Cervical corpectomy is indicated for severe multi-level stenosis, OPLL, fractures, tumors, infections, or deformities not manageable with simpler procedures. This approach ensures thorough decompression, relief of neck and arm symptoms, improved neurological function, and long-term spinal stability.
Recovery after cervical corpectomy in Calicut typically involves a 2–4 day hospital stay. Most patients begin walking the day after surgery and use a cervical collar for several weeks to support healing. Physical therapy gradually restores strength and mobility. Fusion usually solidifies within 3–6 months, but patients often notice significant improvements in pain, arm symptoms, and neurological function within weeks. When performed by experienced spine surgeons like Dr Shafeek, cervical corpectomy remains one of the best treatments for complex multi-level cervical spine disorders, offering excellent long-term outcomes.