Posterior Cervical Fusion (PCF)

A procedure where screws are put in bone to take away painful motion and/or to add stability in the back of the neck. Bone graft is added for a fusion (consolidation of bone) to occur. This can be done after a traumatic event, fusion in the front of the neck (ACDF), or decompression.

This can be done at 1 or multiple levels.

  • After anesthesia is given, an incision is made directly over the spine in the back of the neck. This incision is guided with x-ray.

    Screws are placed in the bone, cartilage is burred, and bone graft is put down for the body to consolidate everything into one bone.

    This is repeated at multiple levels as needed.

    Intraoperative X-rays are done to confirm placement, and the wound is checked for bleeding and the incision is sutured closed.

    1. Take away painful motion

    2. Provide stability for the bone

    3. Accomplish a fusion

  • Depending on medical history, age, and surgical extent, some patients may spend one or multiple nights in the hospital for therapy and pain control.

    Soreness from the incision site can remain for a week or two. Muscles can spasm from surgery as they do not like getting pushed around. Nerve relief can be felt within days. The low neck can feel sore, but it’s a different type of discomfort that before surgery.

    The fusion process may take up to 12 weeks for bone graft to consolidate, but symptoms typically improve much sooner.

    Return to work times vary, some people are able to return to light work 2 week after surgery. For those with a very physically demanding job, return to work may not happen until 6-12 weeks after surgery.

  • There is no surgery without risks. They include but are not limited to: bad reaction to anesthesia, spinal cord injury, surgical site infection, prolonged pain, nerve injury, implant failure, failure of fusion, spinal fluid leak, and the need for additional surgery.