Europe’s first cervical spine implant surgery performed in Lublin offers hope for patients with degenerative disc disease and neurological symptoms.
Doctors at the Military Hospital in Lublin have successfully performed Europe’s first implantation of a new cervical spine stabilization device. The surgery addresses cervical discopathy, a degenerative disease causing neck pain, upper limb weakness, and in severe cases, spinal cord damage. Patients often present with neurological symptoms, including radiating pain and muscle strength loss.
The procedure involves removing the damaged cervical disc via a small incision in the neck, similar to thyroid surgery. Surgeons then implant a specialized intervertebral cage filled with bone or bone-forming material, promoting fusion between vertebrae and eliminating nerve compression.
Patients typically resume normal activities the day after surgery. The aim is to alleviate radiating pain and improve neurological function. In cases of persistent deficits, additional rehabilitation may be required. The operation, lasting about an hour, was successfully performed on a 60-year-old patient, who is recovering well.