Question Title: Alternative surgery to cervical disc fusion

I keep hearing of a procedure called "disc shaving". From what I've heard,
the procedure entails shaving of the disc between two vertabrae rather
than removing them. I realize this term "disc shaving" may not be
clinical. Could anyone give me the correct medical term for this
procedure or any information regarding this procedure.
I am meeting with a neurosurgeon on Monday, January 11, 1999.
This is going to be my second opinion. All I keep hearing about
is discectomy. Is this "disc shaving" a legitamite option?
Please answer as soon as possible, as I want as much infomation as
possible before I have a second doctor trying to encourage me to have
a discectomy!

Thank you very much,
Karen
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Dear Karen,

The idea of doing a simple 'disc shaving' is appealing as a minimally invasive procedure. It may be useful if the only pathology is disc protrusion causing compression on a nerve root or the spinal cord. The disc must also be in a location that is accessible to the device used to 'shave' the disc. We have little experience with this device, though the idea and mechanics of it are familiar.

Often in such cases there is more to the pathology of the lesion than simple disc protrusion. There are commonly associated bony spurs and foramenal narrowing that would be poorly addressed with a simple 'disc shaving'. Our preferred method of treating this is usually with an anterior cervical discectomy with fusion. The procedure is highly successful and carries a very low morbidity associated with the procedure. Patients wear a cervical collar for about six weeks at which time it may be removed.

Speak to your surgeon about the benefits and drawbacks of each procedure to make an informed decision about the best treatment for you.

Good luck.

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