Surgical treatment of osteophytes and calcified discs of the cervical spine.

There are many options available for the surgical treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and cervical spondylotic myelopathy, with advantages and disadvantages to each. We have presented our approach to this clinical syndrome and the surgical techniques we prefer for each of its variants. Good, objective scientific data based on randomized, prospective clinical studies comparing the various surgical alternatives are lacking. The information that exists does not clearly favor any one single approach or operative option. It is critical to remember that each surgeon's experience and skill with a given technique have a profound impact on outcome. Contemporary spine surgeons should be well-versed in multiple operative techniques and should choose an appropriate approach for each individual patient based on that patient's clinical presentation and higher unique anatomy and pathologic condition, modified by the surgeon's personal experience.