Sometimes when there's bone or disc degeneration in the cervical spine (neck), fusion is needed to stabilize the area. Over the years, one procedure in particular has gained popularity because of its effectiveness: the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Bioabsorbable plates are fairly new to the spinal fusion scene. For a long time now, surgeons have used an approach called the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Anterior refers to the location of the incision and the way surgeon enters the spine (front of the neck). Anterior fusion is performed through the front of the spine to avoid the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Cervical refers to the neck and discectomy is the removal of the disc from between two vertebrae.

Bioabsorbable plates are fairly new to the spinal fusion scene. For a long time now, surgeons have used an approach called the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Anterior refers to the location of the incision and the way surgeon enters the spine (front of the neck). Anterior fusion is performed through the front of the spine to avoid the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Cervical refers to the neck and discectomy is the removal of the disc from between two vertebrae.

Painful symptoms from a herniated disc can limit function and really reduce quality of life. If the condition gets worse, patients can end up with irreversible neurologic damage. That's why surgery is recommended if conservative care doesn't result in any change in the clinical picture.

The condition you were treated for is called myelopathy. Myelopathy refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal, the opening formed by the vertebral bodies when stacked on top of one another. The spinal cord travels through the open spinal canal. Anything that narrows this opening (e.g., disc protrusion, bone spurs, hardening of the spinal ligaments) can put pressure on the spinal cord and cause serious neurologic problems.

The authors of this article on the treatment of cervical myelopathy originally presented the results of a study comparing disc removal and replacement versus spinal fusion for this condition back in November 2008. Now, they offer a detailed look at the surgical technique and pitfalls of cervical disc arthroplasty (disc replacement in the neck), along with an update on this procedure.

Your desire to protect your husband, the patient is very admirable. Given the stress of the accident and preparation for the upcoming surgery, a low key approach is often needed for the involved individual. But questions like this are appropriate and the information important to family members trying to plan ahead.

The Cervical Spine Injury Severity Score (CSISS) is one of several different ways to classify the severity of cervical spine injuries in order to predict who might need surgery to stabilize the spine. The CSISS is favored by some surgeons because it's easy to use by the surgeon and proven to be reliable and valid (accurate in predicting who needs surgery). The CSISS is for patients with neck injuries involving the lower cervical spine (C3 to C7).

There's a move on now in the medical community to find reliable, valid ways to classify a problem and then decide how to treat it. In this study, orthopedic surgeons from St. Louis University School of Medicine check out the Cervical Spine Injury Severity Score (CSISS) for its user friendliness and accuracy. The CSISS is for patients with neck injuries involving the lower cervical spine (C3 to C7). This is an area of common injury.

Off-label use means the drug, implant, procedure, or device is not being used for what it was originally intended or tested for. The practice is not illegal -- doctors who discover a drug that works well for one application may see many other potential uses. But without proper testing for safety, the Food and Drug Administration cannot approve that drug for a secondary or off-label use.