Neck Surgeries from Car Accidents

In a motor vehicle accident (MVA), sometimes the neck is injured in the car crash because of hyper extension or hyper flexion of the neck. Often, surgery is required to take care of the damage caused by the MVA. There are a number of neck surgeries that may take be performed from cervical injuries following a car accident.

Cervical Spinal Fusion - Resulting from Car Accident

In a Michigan car accident, severe impact can cause neck muscles, tissue, and bone to shift out of position. The car crash could immediately cause the vertebrae to be damaged, it could threaten the spinal cord, and could cause a number of other problems in the neck.

With a cervical spinal fusion, stabilization of the neck following an injury is a common use for this type of surgery. It could also be used in conjunction with a herniated disc. For those in a car crash, it is normally to aid the position of the neck that has been damaged.

This type of surgery can involve a number of methods. It basically joins selected bones in the neck - the cervical spine - and there are different ways this can be done:

Metal implant can be used until a new bone grows between the vertebrae.
The spine can be fused following the removal of an entire vertebrae.
A spinal disc can be removed, and then the adjacent vertebrae can be fused.
A bone graft can be made naturally (bone bank) or with man-made materials, stimulating the growth of new bone.

Following a cervical spinal fusion, a short stay is normally required. During recovery, a brace for your neck (cervical collar) may be required as well.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy Following Car Crash

An anterior cervical discectomy is a procedure used to treat pain stemming from the cervical discs. While most cases of cervical pain do not call for surgery, a Michigan car crash can cause the pain to be great - leading to possible, needed neck surgery.

The anterior cervical discectomy is approached by way of a small incision in the front of the neck. A disc will be removed after soft tissues of the neck are separated. Once this is done, the surgeon may fill the space between the vertebrae with a bone graft, in order to retain the same height of the space where the disc was located. Or, it may simply be left open. Alternatively, plates or screws can be used for further stabilization.

Following the anterior cervical discectomy, pain medications are usually given to help control the pain that is felt. Within a few hours, most patients are able to get up and move around a bit, which helps avoid blood clots and normalize circulation.

Patients will be given directions regarding safe activities to do following surgery. Low-impact exercise programs are often recommended. While some discomfort is common, this is a sign for one to rest. Infection-related signs such as redness, swelling, and draining at the incision site should be reported immediately to one's doctor. Diet, rest, and other healthy items are pivotal to the recovery process.

Other Related Surgeries After A Car Accident

It is important to note other surgeries related to neck pain. Following a Michigan car accident, treatment for neck pain can involve a range of surgeries beyond a cervical spinal fusion and anterior cervical discectomy, for example.

Artificial disc replacement is an example of this. While primarily for lower back pain, it can also be related to pain in the neck, such as from a car accident. The artificial disc replacement is an alternative to fusion, where an artificial disc is instead used to replace a problematic disc. However, this is an experimental procedure and it should be approached carefully with the advice of a doctor.

Other procedures can be involved. For instance, there are cases of vertigo following a car accident, involving neck pain. In this case, a vertebral artery dissection can be used, which is not normally associated with a car crash.

What You Need to Know in the Aftermath of a Car Accident

Any car accident that causes injury should be reported to a car accident lawyer. If you have even the slightest suspicion that injuries are involved, contact your car accident attorney immediately.

Pain may notices, but the extent of injury may not be immediately apparant. Especially in the case of back and neck pain, it can build over time. This is why it is vital to contact your car accident lawyer right away.

Not reporting an all symptoms or even the crash to your lawyer can have a number of risks:

After a certain time, your statute of limitations may run out and you won't have a claim.
You may lose out on the ability to gather needed information and evidence.
Speaking to car insurance representatives could put a potential claim at a severe disadvantage.
You won't have access to valuable advice that could save you tens and hundreds of thousands of dollars.

At The Law Offices of Jason Waechter, the experience and expertise of the car accident attorneys are second-to-none. You can receive the advice that you need to file a claim and make sure you are represented well. If you need neck surgery, you can feel safe knowing that you have the best attorneys there to represent you and your family's needs.

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