Cervical Spine Surgery in Turkey: Types, Cost, Complications and What’s New

What is cervical spine surgery?

Cervical spine surgery is a neck procedure aimed to fix painful, deformat and functional retarding neck spinal abnormalities.

A spine surgery on the neck can be performed either by an open surgery or by a more modern, minimally invasive cervical spine surgery.

The cervical spine surgery is dangerous and high risk surgery, however new cervical spine surgery techniques have recently been introduced to decrease risks, raise successful rate and lower the invasiveness that can cause muscle and tissue disruption and make a large visible scar, the surgery of neck is more effective, safe and popular.

What are various types of cervical spine surgery?

Cervical spine surgery according to neck location:

1. Anterior cervical spine surgery

Anterior cervical spine surgery approach is considered for the compression and stenosis in anterior portions of the neck spinal vertebra.

This approach makes it easier to visualize and treat lesions directly, since the disc hernias, spondylotic osteophytic spurs, and OPLL exist anterior to the spinal cord and spinal nerves.

Additionally damages to the muscles are minimal by anterior cervical spine surgery, because muscles do not attach to the middle anterior surface of the cervical vertebral body.

The drawback of the anterior spine surgery approach is the after surgery complication risk such as nerve damage,esophageal, tracheal and laryngeal disruptive complications

2. Posterior cervical spine surgery

In this type of cervical spine surgery, the surgeon approaches the neck spine from your back.

posterior is the most traditional and popular approach worldwide

This type is better when the surgeon need to dilate a narrowed spinal canal or decompress the nerves affected by back side disc degeneration

The drawback of the posterior spine surgery of the neck is the larger incision, longer and painful recovery time after the surgery.

Cervical spine surgery according to surgical procedure:

1. Decompression surgeries of cervical spine

Cervical decompression surgery is a procedure that removes any structures compressing the nerves in the neck.

Spinal decompression modifies or removes bone, spinal disc or soft tissues that are causing compression of a nerve by either

• laminoplasty a procedure that involves the reshaping of part of a vertebral lamina
• laminotomy: which involves making of a small hole the lamina
• laminectomy: which is a complete removal of a lamina, all to relieve pressure on the nerves.

2. Cervical spine fusion/fixating surgery

Cervical spine fusion surgery permanently joins two or more vertebrae in the neck into a stable piece of bone.

In this procedure a cervical spine surgeon, or orthopedic or both collaborate to remove the degenerated, damaged vertebrae and fix the two next ones with a bony graft.

This limits the free movement in a specific part of the cervical spine, but removes the compression and stabilizes the spine.

Cervical spine surgery according to surgical techniques:

1. Open cervical spine surgery

This is the traditional cervical spine surgery in which a large incision is made to enable the surgeon to visualize the whole neck inside. This ensure a proper access to the targeted site, however a greater risk of tissue disruption, the greater risk for complications in case of any small mistake and requirement of long recovery period

2. Minimally invasive cervical spine surgery.

This is the modern more advanced less invasive method. in which new technologies such as endoscopic spine surgery, robots assisted, 3D navigations dependent, ultrasonic cervical spine surgery and other techniques are tailored to assist the surgeon to minimize the risks associated with spine surgeries and increase the success rate.

Discover more options:

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Lumbar Spine Surgery

When you may need cervical spine surgery?

1. Cervical spinal stenosis surgery
2. Cervical spine decompression surgery
3. Cervical spine tumor surgery
4. Cervical herniated disc surgery
5. Cervical spine revision surgery
6. ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)

Who can do cervical spine surgery?

Orthopedic surgeon vs neurosurgeon for cervical spine surgery:

For some cases orthopedic surgeon for another neurosurgeon and for many times a collaboration between orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon is required.

While orthopedic surgeons specialize in bone repairs and stabilization (such as fusion).

Neurosurgeons specialize in addressing nerve issues and relieving pressure on the nerves in the spine.
The choice of surgeon depends primarily on the specific medical issue the patient is facing.

Cervical spine surgery complications:

Cervical spine surgery temporary side effects

These group of side effects occur due to nerve irritation, muscle disruption, or tissue inflammation that cause swelling, numbness, pain and weakness.

These side effects typically resolve within a few weeks to a few months as the inflammation subsides and the nerves recover.

The symptoms vary according to the nerve and site affected.

They can be managed by medications, after care and physical therapy programs

Other common temporary side effects

• Infection
• Dysphagia
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Neck and Shoulder pain after cervical spine surgery
• Hand numbness after cervical spine surgery

Long term complications of cervical spinal surgery.

If the side effects persist beyond 6-12 months without significant improvement, it could be considered a permanent complication.

• Esophageal perforation
• Adjacent segment disease
• Anesthesia complications
• Nerve damage
• C5 palsy
• Vertebral artery injury
• Paralysis after cervical spine surgery: rare but severe if the spinal cord is damaged

Empower your knowledge about:

Spine Surgery in Turkey

Lumbar Open Spine Surgery

The robotic orthopedic surgery

Cervical spine surgery recovery and after care: Tips and recommendations

Recovery from cervical spine surgery is so crucial to achieve the desired outcomes and minimize risks and prevent permanent complications.

The full recovery timeline after neck surgery depends on the procedure approach, anterior vs. posterior, surgery and on the procedural technique- open neck spine surgery vs. minimally invasive spine surgery.

General recommendation is common for all neck surgery that maintain the site of procedure from complications and provide a more comfortable recovery period.

Physical therapy after cervical spine surgery

Your surgeon will design a customized rehabilitation, physiotherapy program that fits your health, your post surgical condition and the recovery timeline progression.

These physiotherapy programs minimize stiffness, facilitate muscle movement and decrease swelling.

It is important to start these exercises gradually unless your symptoms become worse.

Eating recommendations after cervical spine surgery

During the first days after the neck surgery you may experience swallowing difficulties, it is recommended to eat soft foods and liquids only

When can you eat solid foods after cervical spine surgery?

Usually your doctor will allow you to start solid food gradually after one to two weeks, however, the exact time varies according to patient situation

Sleep recommendations after cervical spine surgery

Back sleep using medical pillow is the best sleep position after cervical spine surgery,

Best pillow after cervical spine surgery is made of memory foam that accommodates the neck shape and position.

Cervical Spine Surgery Positioning Recommendation

During Surgery

• The patient is positioned in specific ways, such as posterior cervical spine surgery positioning (lying face down) or anterior cervical discectomy cervical spine surgery positioning (lying on the back), depending on the type of surgery. These positions ensure optimal access to the cervical spine for the surgeon.

After Surgery

• Avoid sudden movements or twisting of the neck to protect the surgical site.
• Use a neck brace or cervical collar, if prescribed, to maintain stability during recovery.

How long does it take to recover from cervical spine surgery?

Recovery from cervical spine surgery typically takes 4 to 6 weeks for most daily activities, but full recovery, including returning to more strenuous activities, can take 3 to 6 months depending on the type of surgery and individual healing

Learn more about robotic rehabilitation

Also read for. Spinal Fusion Surgery

How much is cervical spine surgery

Cost of cervical spine surgery depend on several factors:

• Type of surgery: cervical stenosis, scoliosis, cervical decompression, ACDF each one have a different cost
• Technique used in the surgery: Traditional spine surgery vs. minimally invasive spine surgery
• Complexity of the case
• The clinic location and reputation

Cost of neck surgery in Turkey according to cervical spine surgery type

What is new in the cervical spine surgery techniques?

The latest cervical spine surgery techniques emphasize minimally invasive approaches, robotic assistance, and advanced imaging technologies, all of which are designed to improve precision, reduce recovery time, and minimize risks. These advances are creating more personalized and effective treatment options for patients suffering from cervical spine issues, ranging from degenerative diseases to complex spinal deformities.

Cervical spinal surgery in Turkey

Turkey is a globally recognized destination for patients seeking highly experienced and skilled neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons, particularly for complex and delicate procedures such as spinal neck surgeries.

Many Turkish clinics have adopted advanced techniques including endoscopy, laser technology, and robotics to help surgeons perform these high-risk procedures with maximum success rates and minimal complications.

At International Clinics in Istanbul, we are committed to supporting our patients from their arrival through full recovery and beyond.

With our comprehensive care and multidisciplinary team, we foster collaboration between expert surgeons across various departments to achieve the best outcomes. Combined with our excellent postoperative rehabilitation services, we ensure a comfortable medical journey for every patient.

If you are suffering from a chronic neck condition, contact us today for a free consultation and personalized treatment plan. You may be an ideal candidate for a life-changing surgical procedure

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