What are bone spurs in the elbow. How do they form. What symptoms do elbow bone spurs cause. Which treatments are most effective for elbow bone spurs. Can physical therapy help with elbow bone spurs. When is surgery necessary for elbow bone spurs. How can you prevent elbow bone spurs from developing.

What Are Elbow Bone Spurs and How Do They Form?

Elbow bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, are bony growths that develop on the bones forming the elbow joint. Despite their name suggesting a sharp, pointed structure, bone spurs are often smooth protrusions. They typically form as the body’s response to injury, overuse, or joint degeneration.

What causes bone spurs to develop in the elbow? The primary factors include:

• Repetitive stress or overuse of the joint
• Trauma or injury to the elbow
• Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
• Tendonitis
• Inflammation in the joint area

When the elbow experiences prolonged stress or damage, the body initiates a repair process. This natural healing mechanism can sometimes result in excess bone formation, leading to the development of bone spurs. Athletes who engage in repetitive throwing motions, such as baseball pitchers, are particularly prone to developing elbow bone spurs due to the constant stress placed on their elbow joints.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Elbow Bone Spurs

How can you tell if you have a bone spur in your elbow? While some bone spurs may not cause any noticeable symptoms, others can lead to significant discomfort and functional limitations. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain or aching in the elbow, especially during movement
• Stiffness and reduced range of motion
• Swelling around the elbow joint
• A feeling of grinding or catching when moving the elbow
• Weakness in the arm
• Numbness or tingling sensation extending into the hand (if the bone spur presses on nerves)

It’s important to note that the severity of symptoms can vary greatly among individuals. Some people may have large bone spurs with minimal discomfort, while others might experience significant pain from relatively small growths.

Diagnosing Elbow Bone Spurs: What to Expect

How do doctors diagnose bone spurs in the elbow? The diagnostic process typically involves several steps:

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, any previous injuries, and your daily activities that might contribute to elbow stress.
2. Physical examination: The doctor will assess your elbow’s range of motion, strength, and areas of tenderness.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays are usually the first imaging tool used to visualize bone spurs. In some cases, more advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans may be necessary to get a detailed view of the joint and surrounding tissues.
4. Diagnostic injections: In certain situations, your doctor may use a local anesthetic injection to help pinpoint the source of pain.

Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management of elbow bone spurs. If you’re experiencing persistent elbow pain or stiffness, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.

Conservative Treatment Options for Elbow Bone Spurs

What are the initial treatment approaches for elbow bone spurs? In many cases, conservative treatments can effectively manage symptoms and improve function without the need for surgery. These non-invasive methods include:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms can help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Ice and heat therapy: Alternating between cold and heat can help manage pain and improve circulation to the affected area.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Physical therapy: A structured PT program can improve flexibility, strength, and joint function.
• Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, your doctor may recommend steroid injections to provide temporary relief from severe pain and inflammation.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Elbow Bone Spurs

How can physical therapy help with elbow bone spurs? Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving overall elbow function. A skilled physical therapist can employ various techniques to address bone spur-related issues:

• Joint mobilization: This hands-on technique helps restore normal joint mechanics and reduce pain.
• Soft tissue mobilization: By targeting the tissues surrounding the elbow, this technique can break down scar tissue, improve flexibility, and enhance circulation.
• Therapeutic exercises: Customized exercise programs can strengthen the muscles supporting the elbow and improve range of motion.
• Electrical stimulation: This modality can help reduce pain, decrease swelling, and manage muscle spasms associated with bone spurs.
• Ultrasound therapy: Deep heating of tissues can promote healing and reduce pain.

Physical therapy not only addresses current symptoms but also focuses on preventing future complications by improving overall joint health and biomechanics.

Advanced Treatment Options: When Conservative Measures Aren’t Enough

What happens when conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief? In some cases, more advanced interventions may be necessary. These can include:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: This regenerative medicine technique uses a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to promote healing.
• Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT): High-energy sound waves are used to stimulate healing in the affected area.
• Arthroscopic surgery: A minimally invasive procedure where the surgeon removes bone spurs and addresses any other joint issues through small incisions.
• Open surgery: In severe cases, traditional open surgery may be required to remove large bone spurs or repair significant joint damage.

The decision to pursue advanced treatments should be made in consultation with an orthopedic specialist, taking into account the severity of symptoms, impact on daily life, and overall health status of the patient.

Preventing Elbow Bone Spurs: Strategies for Joint Health

Can elbow bone spurs be prevented? While it’s not always possible to prevent bone spurs entirely, there are several strategies that can help reduce the risk of their formation:

• Proper warm-up and stretching before physical activities
• Using correct form and technique during sports and exercise
• Gradually increasing the intensity and duration of activities to avoid overuse injuries
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints
• Incorporating exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the elbow
• Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks to avoid prolonged stress on the joint

For athletes and individuals in occupations that involve repetitive elbow movements, working with a physical therapist or sports medicine specialist can be beneficial in developing a personalized prevention strategy.

Living with Elbow Bone Spurs: Long-Term Management and Considerations

How can individuals effectively manage elbow bone spurs over the long term? Living with elbow bone spurs often requires ongoing attention to joint health and symptom management. Key considerations include:

• Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers to monitor the condition
• Adhering to prescribed exercise routines and activity modifications
• Being mindful of ergonomics in daily activities and work environments
• Exploring alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage for pain management
• Maintaining overall health through proper nutrition and stress management
• Staying informed about new treatment options and advancements in joint health

It’s important to remember that the impact of elbow bone spurs can vary greatly among individuals. What works for one person may not be as effective for another, so a personalized approach to management is crucial.

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Why is a multidisciplinary approach beneficial in treating elbow bone spurs? Managing elbow bone spurs often requires input from various healthcare professionals. This team may include:

• Orthopedic specialists
• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Pain management specialists
• Rheumatologists (if autoimmune factors are involved)
• Sports medicine physicians (for athletes)

By collaborating, these professionals can provide comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of the condition, from symptom management to long-term joint health strategies.

Emerging Treatments and Future Directions in Elbow Bone Spur Management

What new treatments are on the horizon for elbow bone spurs? Research in orthopedics and regenerative medicine continues to explore innovative approaches to managing bone spurs and related joint issues. Some promising areas include:

• Stem cell therapy: Using the body’s own stem cells to promote healing and tissue regeneration
• Gene therapy: Targeting specific genetic factors that contribute to bone spur formation
• Advanced imaging techniques: Improving early detection and monitoring of bone spurs
• Nanotechnology: Developing targeted drug delivery systems for more effective treatments
• 3D-printed implants: Creating custom joint replacements for severe cases

While many of these treatments are still in experimental stages, they offer hope for more effective and less invasive management of elbow bone spurs in the future.

The Role of Patient Education and Self-Management

How important is patient education in managing elbow bone spurs? Empowering patients with knowledge about their condition is crucial for successful long-term management. Key aspects of patient education include:

• Understanding the causes and progression of bone spurs
• Recognizing early signs of complications or worsening symptoms
• Learning proper techniques for home exercises and joint protection
• Understanding the importance of adherence to treatment plans
• Being aware of lifestyle factors that can impact joint health

By actively participating in their care and making informed decisions, patients can significantly improve their outcomes and quality of life while living with elbow bone spurs.

In conclusion, while elbow bone spurs can be a challenging condition, a combination of proper diagnosis, tailored treatment, and ongoing management can help individuals maintain joint function and lead active lives. By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, those affected by elbow bone spurs can navigate their condition effectively and explore the best treatment options for their individual needs.

Elbow Bone Spur | Elbow Pain

What are bone spurs? Bone spurs are bony growths that can occur on the bones that form your body’s joints. While the word “spur” might make it sound like these growths are pointed and sharp, they are actually smooth in many cases. However, that does not mean that they cannot be painful. Bone spurs often grow around the joints, which can cause the affected bone to rub against other bones, muscles, tendons and nerves. This often makes it difficult to move or bend the joint due to pain, stiffness and swelling.

Bone spurs often occur as a result of overuse or injury. When a bone is injured, the body overcompensates by causing more bone tissue to grow in the affected area. This is why bone spurs often occur in the elbows, hands, spine and other areas that are subject to a lot of movement. If you are experiencing bone spurs in your elbow, you may be finding many tasks to be more difficult. That’s why it’s a good idea to seek help from a physical therapist to treat your elbow bone spur.

What can physical therapy do to treat bone spurs in my elbow?

Thankfully, bone spurs are a condition that can be treated with the help of physical therapy. A physical therapist can assist in reducing the pain and swelling caused by the bone spurs in your elbow. They can also help restore your full range of motion that may have become limited due to bone spurs. Here are three ways that physical therapy can treat bone spurs:

1. Joint mobilization — A physical therapist can mobilize stiff and painful joints using this form of hands-on therapy. Joint mobilization involves your physical therapist moving the affected joints using the skilled application of force and direction to restore movement.

2. Soft tissue mobilization — This form of manual therapy can help to break up scar tissue that may have formed around your bone spurs. It also increases the circulation to the area. This technique can also restore flexibility and reduce pain in your elbow resulting from bone spurs.

3. Electrical stimulation — Your physical therapist can use specialized equipment to deliver electrical pulses to your stiff and aching joints. When they do this, it’s called electrical stimulation. This not only helps relieve pain, but it also helps to decrease swelling and increase circulation in the area. It can also treat muscle spasms that you may experience as a result of bone spurs.

Where can I turn for physical therapy in my area?

If you are looking for trusted physical therapy in the western Pennsylvania area, look no further than Panther Physical Therapy. With convenient clinics located in Wexford, Harmony and Allison Park, we provide the highest standards of care for our physical therapy patients. Our team of licensed physical therapy specialists are ready and willing to help treat your pain from bone spurs in your elbow.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.

Elbow Bone Spurs | Columbus, OH

Our elbows have a major impact on our lives. We use our elbows every day without thinking. They make getting things done easier, so we want to protect them and keep them in good shape for as long as we can.

With that said, did you know there’s something that can affect our elbows, possibly without any signs or symptoms? Or maybe you have been feeling a little elbow stiffness but haven’t given it much thought.

It could be a bone spur or, more specifically, an elbow bone spur. At OrthoNeuro, our trained specialists can help you to detect and treat an elbow bone spur.

Our goal is to provide you with the proper insight and treatment so that you can give your elbow the care it requires. Contact one of our offices in the Greater Columbus area today to learn more.

What Is an Elbow Bone Spur?

An elbow bone spur is a bony growth that protrudes from the bone and can be found in the elbow joint. 

While these bony growths may not be visually seen and can present without symptoms, some bone spurs can irritate your tendons, nerves, and muscles. This irritation in your elbow can result in pain.

Bones spurs (also called osteophytes) can become loose bodies within your elbow joint if they break off from the bone.

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Elbow bone spurs are commonly found in pitchers and other athletes who participate in sports requiring a lot of throwing.

These bone spurs can also be found in those with elbow arthritis.

Causes of Bone Spurs

Several factors can contribute to the development of bone spurs. 

These causes can be found below:

• High impact resulting in injury or trauma
• Repetitive use or overuse
• Osteoarthritis/elbow arthritis
• Degenerative joint disease
• Tendonitis

It is important to note that inflammation also plays a significant role in the formation of elbow bone spurs.

When the elbow joint has become inflamed, our bodies naturally begin repairing themselves. This repair can cause the formation of bone, which can result in a bone spur.

Symptoms of Elbow Bone Spurs

Although there are noticeable elbow bone spurs symptoms, it is common for bone spurs to go on undetected unless noticed on an X-ray.

Difficulty reaching

Pain

Stiffness when you try to bend your elbow joint, restricting your range of motion

How Is an Elbow Spur Diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine your joint to see if there are any signs of subtle loss of movement. An X-ray may also be taken to look for bone spurs.

What Are the Treatments Available for Bone Spurs? Will I Need Surgery?

Many treatment options are available to treat bone spurs and alleviate elbow pain. If your symptoms are mild and infrequent, conservative nonsurgical treatment may be all that is needed.  

Your doctor may recommend an outpatient procedure called elbow arthroscopy to remove bone spurs if they have failed to respond to conservative treatment or in other specific situations.

For example, this may be especially true if your symptoms interfere with sports or work.

Conservative treatment options include:

• Modifying your activities
• Physical therapy

The surgical treatment option includes arthroscopic surgery (elbow arthroscopy).

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Elbow arthroscopy is also known as “key-hole” surgery because tiny incisions are used to access your elbow joint and remove bone spurs and loose bodies that are irritating your joint.

Arthroscopic surgery is non-invasive, and our specialists have extensive experience performing arthroscopic elbow surgery.

Your doctor may highly recommend physical therapy to help you regain your strength and range of motion post elbow arthroscopy surgery.

If you have been experiencing elbow pain caused by bone spurs or suspect that there may be something wrong with your elbow, please feel free to contact OrthoNeuro today!

We would love to help you get the relief you want and deserve.  

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!

If you have been experiencing the symptoms of an elbow bone spur, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus. 

Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.

Book an Appointment

Causes of elbow spur development, symptoms and treatment

Elbow spur is a pathological condition characterized by the growth of the bone tissue that makes up the joint. The presence of spurs brings pain and discomfort when moving. Without timely treatment, it can lead to joint damage. Therapy is mostly conservative, but in some cases surgery may be necessary.

What is pathology?

Elbow spur got its name from the appearance of overgrown bone tissue. It looks like a spike that forms behind the joint. Pathology occurs mainly in people older than 40 years. The development of spurs at an earlier age in the presence of provoking factors is not excluded.

Causes

A spur develops slowly on the elbow joint. The peculiarity of this pathology is that it is never primary, that is, it cannot appear on a joint that is initially healthy. The development of pathology is preceded by various provoking factors, which include previous injuries of the elbow or diseases of the joints:

• arthrosis;
• arthritis;
• dislocation;
• fracture;
• sprain;
• rupture of ligaments, tendons.

The occurrence of pathology in the elderly can be associated with physiological age-related changes, slowing down of metabolic processes, lack of mineral elements in the articular tissue.

The appearance of spurs on the elbows often occurs in people of specific professions: conductors, builders and musicians. The reason for this is the constant load on the joint and the performance of monotonous movements in which the elbow is involved.

Athletes are susceptible to spurs: volleyball, tennis and basketball players. Common causes of pathology are a fall on the elbow, a severe bruise. Many years can pass between an injury and the development of a pathology, so many patients, when they get to see a doctor, do not even associate a previous joint injury with pathology.

Symptoms

The clinical picture of the disease depends on the exact location of the spur, its size and shape. Symptoms appear gradually as the pathological process increases in size. As long as the spur is small and does not injure soft tissues, a person may not experience pain, only periodic discomfort when performing certain movements or in case of prolonged physical impact.

General features:

1. Pain occurs when the mass is large. There are painful sensations due to the pressure of the spur on the soft tissues and structures of the joint: cartilage, ligaments or tendons. When the spur grows, the bones begin to rub against each other with the ends, a nerve can be pinched between them, which leads to painful sensations.
2. Limited movement – gradual decrease in amplitude and stiffness in the limb. A person feels how his elbow becomes stiff, it is difficult for them to move. The symptom extends to the entire forearm. If by this time treatment is not started and the influence of provoking factors is not limited, the spur begins to become inflamed. From this, touching the elbow becomes too painful, swelling occurs on the skin.

Depending on the size of the spur and the reasons for its appearance, the intensity of the clinical picture varies. Pain may occur only intermittently or be present constantly, increasing only after physical activity.

Diagnosis

An enlarged olecranon is detected by X-ray. In this clinical case, this is the most accurate and highly informative research method. An x-ray not only reveals the presence of a spur, but also shows its exact location, size and shape. With the help of this study, it is possible to identify the causes of spurs and the presence of associated complications.

During the entire therapy, x-rays will be taken several more times to monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed conservative treatment.

Treatment

Methods of therapy are conservative. In most cases, physiotherapy procedures and painkillers are prescribed.

Traditional medicine is allowed as an additional method of treatment. It is important to limit the movement of the limb during treatment. The state of rest for the injured elbow will not only ensure the absence of pain, but also help prevent the development of complications. It is recommended to fix the arm with a bandage like a “scarf” or wear an orthosis.

Conservative treatments

Spurs can be treated with medication. Medicines are prescribed to stop the symptoms of the disease. The patient is prescribed painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Medicines are taken in tablet form or injected.

Anti-inflammatory drugs: Naproxen, Ibuprofen. If the spur is caused by diseases of the articular tissue (arthritis or arthrosis), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, which are administered mainly by injection. Such drugs reduce the intensity of pain and stop inflammation, remove puffiness, improving the patient’s condition in a short period of time.

But drug treatment is not the main one. It must be combined with physiotherapy.

Surgical removal

Surgery to remove a spur on the elbow is indicated when conservative methods of treatment do not give a positive result for a long time. The indication for surgical intervention is the large size of the spur, which exerts strong pressure on the soft structures of the joint and leads to their systematic damage.

In the surgical treatment of spurs, preference is given to minimally invasive techniques that are highly accurate, but at the same time do not injure healthy tissues and structures. Reduced after minimally invasive intervention and the rehabilitation period.

The spur is removed by arthroscopy. Near the joint, several small punctures are made through which a special surgical instrument is inserted. The spur is removed using an arthroscope. If necessary, other parts of the joint are also cleaned, the edges of the bone tissue are smoothed to prevent their friction and the recurrence of pathology.

Surgical intervention does not guarantee that the spur will not occur again if the patient is not attentive to his health. To prevent the spur from re-forming, it is necessary to follow a diet during the rehabilitation period after the operation. Fried and fatty foods, hot spices, marinades and smoked meats are excluded from the diet. Alcohol and carbonated drinks are strictly prohibited.

The basis of nutrition is natural and healthy products enriched with vitamins and minerals. For quick recovery of the joint, it is recommended to use dishes with gelatin in the composition.

Massage and physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is not only aimed at eliminating the symptomatic picture. The procedures help reduce inflammation, activate the process of tissue regeneration at the cellular level, restore metabolism in the joint, and improve blood circulation. Physiotherapy methods used for elbow spurs:

• electrophoresis;
• laser treatment;
• ultrasound;
• shock wave therapy;
• mud baths;
• mineral baths;
• paraffin applications.

If the spur has grown to a large size and presses on the soft tissues, causing the patient severe and persistent pain, a course of massage is recommended to eliminate the symptom. But it can only be carried out by a specialist. Any incorrect, inaccurate movement and incorrect mechanical impact on the joint can lead to aggravation of the pathology and provoke complications.

Traditional medicine

If the development of a spur is accompanied by frequent onset of intense pain, ice will help to quickly stop the pain during an exacerbation. Such a cold compress is not only a first aid, but also the ability to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and remove swelling. Applying ice in its pure form to the joint is prohibited, this can result in frostbite of soft tissues.

A piece of ice should be wrapped in a dense cloth and applied to the elbow for 10 minutes (no more). It is important to understand that the use of a cold compress is a first aid measure. The spur cannot be cured with ice alone.

Folk remedies cannot be the main methods of treatment. Without physiotherapeutic procedures and medicines, the bone growth will not resolve itself. But traditional medicine gives a good result in stopping pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Treatment with herbs and the application of compresses from natural products will help reduce swelling and inflammation.

Elbow pain compress: ground chicken egg shell to powder. Add the same amount of sour milk, it can be replaced with yogurt. Put the resulting mixture on gauze, folded in several layers. From above, fix the compress with a bandage and cover with a dense cloth. Keep on elbow all night. You can use this recipe for a long time until the pathology passes.

Decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs demonstrate good results in treatment:

1. Infusion based on cinquefoil: pour 1/3 of the chopped herb into a glass. Fill to the brim with vodka. Infuse the mixture for 14 days in a place where there is no access to sunlight. Strain after cooking. Use tincture to rub the elbow. To enhance the therapeutic effect, it is recommended to take this tincture inside: 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l.
2. Elecampane tincture: Pour a handful of chopped elecampane root into a 5 liter jar. Add 500 mg of honey and yeast (100 g). To fill with water. Under the lid, insist in a warm place, but do not place close to direct heat sources: radiators or fireplaces. Stand until the mixture ferments. After that, it must be filtered. Take 30 minutes before meals at a dosage of 50 mg. Store the tincture only in the refrigerator.
3. Comfrey ointment: Grind 100 g of comfrey root on a grater. Add 200 g of melted nutria fat to the ingredient. Stir and refrigerate until the ingredients harden. Every day, rub a small amount of ointment into the elbow, wrap it with a warm cloth on top, leaving it as a compress for 2 hours.
4. Mix 10 parts olive oil and 1 part crushed bay leaf. Place the container with the mixture in a water bath, warm it up a little so that the oil is at body temperature. The mixture is used for rubbing into the elbow. Carry out the procedure several times a day.

You can use traditional methods of treatment for a long course until the pathology is cured.

Prognosis

Such a pathology as a spur on the elbow joint can develop in different ways, and the further prognosis depends on it:

1. does not increase), treatment is not required. The spur can be present on the joint for life without affecting its condition and functioning.
2. The spur is large but flat, there is no pressure on the soft structures of the joint – no treatment is required. But as soon as the patient begins to develop pain, appropriate treatment is required immediately.
3. Large thorn-shaped mass, pain present, impaired movement of the limb – immediate treatment. Depending on the intensity of the pain and the presence of complications, surgery may be required.

If a large spur on the elbow joint, accompanied by severe pain, is not treated in a timely manner, this will lead to a number of complications. Permanent damage to the soft structures of the joint can lead to its complete destruction. In this case, a complex operation will be required to replace the damaged articular parts with artificial implants.

Prevention

The only way to prevent elbow spurs is to maintain a proper lifestyle and prevent injuries and diseases of the joint. It is important to eat right so that the body gets enough vitamins and minerals. Their absence negatively affects the state of bone tissue, leads to a violation of metabolic processes in it.

It is important to protect the joint from injury and mechanical damage. If a person is at risk, for example, plays sports or has a specific professional activity, the joints should be given due attention. This means taking vitamins and mineral complexes, performing massages, regular use of drugs with a local spectrum of action to prevent joint pathologies.

Given the slow development of the spur, the first signs may appear when the formation has reached a large size. In the treatment of pathology, its timely detection is important. Therefore, if you experience the first pain, even minor, appearing in the joint during movement, you should immediately consult a doctor.

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Conclusion

A spur is a pathology that can negatively affect the patient’s quality of life. The formation of bone tissue can cause severe pain, lead to impaired motor activity of the hand. Treatment is carried out mainly conservatively with the use of drugs and physiotherapy. In advanced cases, you have to resort to surgical intervention.

Surgical treatment of diseases of the disc of the cervical spine

Surgical treatment

diseases of the disc of the cervical spine

See also:

Cervical Disc Degeneration

Cervical Disc Degeneration Diseases

As we age, the cervical discs begin to flatten and wear out. The flattening of the disc causes the vertebrae to converge closer together, which can put more stress not only on the disc itself, but also on the surrounding joints, muscles, and nerves. This process is called cervical disc degeneration, and it can lead to several painful conditions.

Herniated disc

A herniated disc, also known as herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP), develops when the outer layer of the disc (annulus fibrosus) ruptures or cracks due to stress from the surrounding vertebrae. As a result of these tears, the soft nucleus of the disc (nucleus pulposus) can bulge or even completely come out of the disc and press on adjacent nerves or the spinal cord. Nerve compression can cause symptoms such as pain and weakness in certain parts of the body, depending on which nerve is affected.

Showing disc herniation impinging adjacent nerves and spinal cord

Bone spurs (osteophytes)

Bone spurs, also called osteophytes, are small growths of bone tissue that form on the vertebrae as a result of increased stress on these bones. Usually, the effects of these spurs are nothing more than occasional limited mobility or neck pain. However, as with GPJ, a bone spur can press on nearby nerves or on the spinal cord, resulting in feelings of pain or weakness in a specific part of the body.

Indicated disc herniation impinging adjacent nerves and spinal cord

Treatment of cervical disc degeneration

Modern treatments

For many patients, non-surgical, or conservative, treatments will be effective in reversing the symptoms of cervical disc degeneration. Such treatment may include a combination of rest, physical therapy, pain medication, or anti-inflammatories. If pain and limited mobility persist despite treatment, surgery is considered. Surgical treatment consists in removing a herniated disc, osteophytes and bone spurs that provoke symptoms of the disease; this process is called “decompression”. Both conservative and surgical treatments are designed to relieve pain. Your doctor will determine the best treatment for you based on the severity of your degenerative disorder.

Indications for discectomy with functional stabilization of an artificial intervertebral disc:

the patient has symptoms associated with a herniated intervertebral disc

functional incompetence of the intervertebral disc and a significant decrease in the height of the interbody space resistant to conservative treatment , against the background of a pronounced decrease in the patient’s activity and ability to work

foraminal stenosis

Magnetic resonance imaging reveals a herniated disc in the cervical spine

What will happen during surgery to replace the cervical disc with an artificial one (M6).

Surgical treatment for disc replacement in the clinic “Health 365” is carried out by A. O. Dubskikh, a neurosurgeon of the highest category.

The course of the operation to replace the disk of the anterior surface of the neck consists of several stages: First, the patient is made a small incision 3-4 cm long to access the cervical spine. The damaged disc is removed (discectomy) to free the pinched nerve (decompression). Then, a special “artificial disc” implant is placed in the space occupied by the disc using special high-precision instruments. The task of the artificial disc is to restore the proper distance between the vertebrae while maintaining the mobility of a healthy disc. After a special implant “artificial disc” is installed, the incision is sutured.

Herniated disc removed

M6 artificial cervical disc insertion

M6 artificial cervical disc inserted

The M6 ​​Artificial Cervical Disc is an innovation in the field of replacement of artificial discs due to its unique design based on the properties of a natural disc. Accurately mimicking your own disc, the M6 ​​is the only artificial disc that has an artificial core (made of polycarbonate urethane) and a fibrous ring (made of polyethylene). The structure of the artificial nucleus and ring of M6 provides the same mobility characteristics as a natural disk. Together, the artificial core and M6 ring have compressive properties and provide a controlled range of motion at the level of each vertebra. This “natural” mobility is designed to give you the freedom to naturally move your neck while minimizing stress on adjacent discs and other important spinal joints. The M6 ​​has two external keeled titanium plates to reinforce the disc in the bony tissue of the vertebral body. These outer plates are coated with titanium plasma, which stimulates the growth of bone into the metal plates, which ensures long-term fixation and stability of the disc in the bone.

M6 Artificial Cervical Disc

What can I expect after surgery?

After the operation, you will stay in the clinic for 3 days. Before discharge, your doctor will give you advice on lifestyle and requirements that must be met during the rehabilitation period (1 month). Perhaps you will undergo a course of treatment aimed at treating and strengthening the cervical spine. To assess the recovery process after the operation, the attending physician will conduct follow-up examinations. The service life of an artificial disk is 50 years.

Symptoms of cervical disc degeneration.

Although many people develop cervical disc degeneration as a result of aging, only a few experience severe symptoms.
Symptoms of cervical disc degeneration are usually mild and include
pain and limitation of mobility in the neck and shoulders, as well as occasional headaches. However, if the nerves are pinched by a herniated disc or a bone spur, the symptoms of cervical disc degeneration can become severe. This can lead to painful conditions called “cervical radiculopathy” and “cervical myelopathy”.

• Cervical radiculopathy – when the spinal nerves are pinched, it can lead to pain, weakness, or limited range of motion in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Often this is felt as a shooting pain that runs down the arm from top to bottom.
• Cervical myelopathy – from time to time the spinal cord itself can be pinched, which can cause severe pain or weakness in the arms and legs. This pain can result in difficulty walking and manipulating the arms.

Your healthcare provider will take a history and perform a physical examination to determine your symptoms and whether you have spinal nerve or spinal cord injury caused by conditions associated with cervical disc degeneration. This examination will evaluate your posture, neck mobility, reflexes, muscle strength, and areas of pain. If cervical disc degeneration is suspected, your doctor may order an x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging to assess the condition of your discs, nerves, and spinal cord to help guide treatment

M6 Intervertebral Disc Endoprosthesis

Artificial Core

Viscoelastic polymer
material imitates
natural disc nucleus

Provides physiological
axial compression

held between
endplates
annulus matrix

Formulated to support
physiological center
rotation

Sheath

Viscoelastic polymer
material developed
to minimize
tissue buildup and displacement
organic residues

Flexible design
provides complete
range of motion.

Fixing

Titanium closing
plates with three
low profile keels
provide optimally accurate
and long-term fixation.

Titanium Plasma Coating
on end plates
promote osseointegration.

Artificial ring

Fiber material made of
ultrahigh molecular weight
polyethylene (UHMWPE)

Imitates a natural ring
and its features

controlled mobility
in all planes and in all
axes of rotation

Rigid die with multilayer
fiber, similar to the structure
natural ring

M6-C Surgical Instrumentation

The M6 ​​Surgical Instrumentation System was developed with feedback from surgeons as an easy to use, safe and reproducible disc implantation system. Instrumentation includes probes to determine optimal disc size and fit, appropriate disc keel slotting chisels, and insertion tools designed to easily implant the M6 ​​into the intervertebral space.

M6 styli and chisels are equipped with Spinal Kinetics CAP (Center Alignment Port).