Term
| Where does the damage happen in cervical disk disease? |
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Definition
| There is a narrowing in the disk space due to degeneration. The disk may extrude and that allows for compression on the nerve root by the intervertebral disk. |
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Term
| What is a kerrison ronguer used for? What is the ST's responsibility when using a kerrison? |
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Definition
| Chipping away or removing the bone (lamina) to make room to take out the compressed disk. The ST should remove bone chips from the jaws with a sponge between uses. |
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Term
| What are some of the symptoms on cervical compression? |
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Definition
| Neck stiffness, soreness, numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers. |
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Term
| What is the Midas Rex drill used for? |
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Definition
| It may be used instead of hand tools- kerrison rongeurs, to drill out bone (lamina). |
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Term
| What position is the patient placed in during posterior cervical spine surgery? |
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Definition
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Term
| If a fusion is needed, how does the surgeon ensure the implant will fit. |
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Definition
| The surgeon uses a fit test. |
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Term
| What is being compressed? |
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Definition
| spinal roots also called nerve roots are compressed by extruding cartilage of the intervertebral disk. |
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Term
| What is used to diagnose cervical neck problems? |
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Definition
| a CT scan or a MRI of the cervical spine |
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Term
| How long can the surgery last? |
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Definition
| 1 to 4 hours or more if doing both sides and mutiple levels |
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Term
What must be avoided after surgery?
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Definition
| Movement of the neck so the levels don't seperate... this is usually done by putting on a cervical collar that restricts head movement and twisting. |
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Term
| What are some of the risks? |
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Definition
| nerve damage, SSI, incomplete fusion due to poor bone healing thus a redo surgery is required. |
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Term
| What wound classification is a Posterior Cervical Decompression without a drain? |
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Definition
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Term
| What happens just before wound closure? |
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Definition
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Term
| How is the correct level ensured? |
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Definition
| intra-operative x-ray to mark the level and side |
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Term
| What kind of anesthesia is provided? |
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Definition
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