CV Junction
Craniovertebral Junction or CVJ refers to the upper neck area composed of the occipital bone (bone at the skull base), foramen magnum (the hole in the skull base from which the spinal cord passes), and spine bones- the atlas and the axis (the first two cervical vertebrae). It is a transition site between a mobile cranium- the part of the skull enclosing the brain and the relatively rigid cervical spine- the upper part of the spinal column. Many vital structures, including the brain stem, nerves, and blood arteries, pass through the craniovertebral junction.
This region is a crucial part of the body as it allows for the movement and support of the head. It is responsible for the flexion, extension, and rotation of the head, and it also helps in spinal cord protection and facilitating the blood flow in the vessels and nerves. It accounts for approximately 25% of the vertical height of the cervical spine.
CVJ anomalies can be either congenital or acquired. These CVJ abnormalities cause recurring occipital headaches, neck pains, bulbar palsy, and upper and lower motor neuron palsies due to compression of the brainstem and spinal cord.
Causes of CVJ Abnormalities
CVJ abnormalities are caused by a variety of reasons. Among them are the following:
- Anomalies in skeletal structure
- Achondroplasia, Down syndrome, and other congenital systemic diseases
- Infections
- Tumours that have spread to the bones
- Tumours that grow slowly in the CV Junction
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic injuries caused by an accident or a fall.
CVJ abnormalities can potentially impede cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow, which can result in conditions like syringomyelia (a cyst in the spinal cord) and hydrocephalus (an accumulation of CSF in the brain). This can further lead to a variety of neurological symptoms. The CVJ anomalies that reduce the volume of posterior cranial fossa can result in Chiari malformations; anomalous fusion of the cervical vertebrae can cause Klippel-Feil Syndrome; and erosion of cervical vertebrae can cause basilar invagination.
Neck X-rays and CT or MRI of the head and neck are amongst the diagnostic procedures ordered for checking CVJ anomalies. If diagnosed with CVJ anomalies, surgery is often required. Surgery for CV Junction in Hyderabad is often recommended by neurosurgeons at Arete Hospitals to prevent or treat neurological problems arising from CVJ abnormalities.
What is Craniovertebral Junction Surgery?
Progressive deformity, myelopathy, severe neck discomfort, and functional dysfunction, such as trouble swallowing, can all result from craniovertebral diseases. Craniovertebral Junction Surgery in Hyderabad is the preferred treatment for CVJ abnormalities. This surgery may be performed to treat upper neck problems or abnormalities that are present at birth or develop later in life.
At Arete Hospitals, top-notch Neurosurgeons in Hyderabad are available to perform the best possible CV Junction surgery. These surgeons can diagnose and treat CV junction anomalies using advanced surgical techniques and high-end surgical tools.
Benefits of CV Junction Surgery
CV Junction Surgery is beneficial in addressing the following range of medical conditions:
- Craniovertebral junction misalignment
- Invagination of the basilar membrane
- Craniovertebral junction congenital anomaly
- Infections
- Trauma
- Osteogenesis imperfecta
- Hernia of the Hindbrain
- Achondroplasia
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Paget's disease
- Craniovertebral junction tumours (rarely occurring)
- Ligament injuries (common)
- Atlas hypoplasia
- Down syndrome.
Before CV Junction Surgery
To prepare well for CV Junction surgery in Hyderabad, patients must follow the pre-operative instructions given by the neurosurgeon. This includes:
- Stop smoking and excess alcohol consumption to avoid delayed healing after surgery
- Do exercise regularly to stay physically fit and reduce the recovery period
- Cease intake of non-essential drugs or herbal remedies that could cause blood thinning or interact with anaesthesia and other drugs that you are already taking for a few weeks before the surgery
- Do not consume anything for 6-8 hours before the scheduled time of the surgery
- Arrange for someone to drive home and take care for at least 1-2 days following surgery.
CV Junction Surgery Procedure
Corrective surgery is often performed by a Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeons in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals when an acceptable strategy and methodology have been found. The type of surgery and technique are determined by several criteria, including traumatic and non-traumatic causes as well as reducible or irreducible lesions. Taking these aspects into consideration, the basic surgical procedures involved are reduction, immobilisation, decompression, and fixation. Treatment may comprise any of the treatments individually or in combination, depending on the nature, severity, and risk factors of the condition being addressed.
To perform CV Junction surgery, patients are given general anaesthesia so that they do not feel any pain during the procedure. Depending on the precise location to be treated, multiple methods may be used, such as through the nose, mouth, chin, side of the neck, or nape of the neck. Using any of these approaches, the muscles are pulled back to reveal the area to be operated on. The surgeon then performs the necessary corrections and stabilises the corrected area with rods, plates, and screws. The surgeon replaces the muscles once he is satisfied with the results and stability. Finally, the incision is closed and dressed, if necessary.
For more details on CV Junction disorders treatment in Hyderabad consult the healthcare professionals at Arete Hospitals.
Good Candidates for CV Junction Surgery
If an individual has experienced a traumatic injury to his or her craniovertebral junction or if he or she has a condition that affects it, he or she may be a candidate for surgery. Not all craniocervical junction issues require surgery to be corrected. A neurosurgeon will be able to advise patients on the best course of action during an initial consultation.
For more details on Surgeries of CV Junction in Hyderabad consult Arete Hospitals experts.
After Discharge
Following CV Junction surgery, it is typical to feel some discomfort around the incision site. This normally goes away after a few days or can be relieved with pain medication provided by the doctor. To ensure adequate recovery, patients may be asked to limit neck mobility or wear a rigid cervical collar for a few weeks to months after surgery. Besides, the patients must keep their bodies in the right posture at all times and avoid heavy weight lifting or strenuous activities. Most importantly, they must eat healthy and drink plenty of fluids for a smooth recovery.
Risks Associated with CV Junction Surgery
Generally, every surgical procedure including CV junction surgery is associated with complications including infection, bleeding, blood clots, and anaesthesia reaction. The probability of experiencing post-operative complications is because of the complicated anatomical structure of the CVJ, the narrow space for operation, and the individual differences among the patients that make the surgery difficult. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage is one of the feared complications of CV Junction surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the recovery like after CV Junction surgery?
The initial sensations or symptoms will fade over time, and patients will regain their neck mobility. The patients may resume their work after getting enough rest and consent from their surgeon.
2. When is CV junction surgery performed?
The neurosurgeon will assess the patient's overall health during the initial session. The requirement for CV junction surgery will be determined by the severity of upper neck disorders and deformities in later life present in the patient.
The cost of this surgery includes multiple factors that will include multiple tests and surgical techniques. For more details on CV Junction surgery cost in Hyderabad, meet the neurosurgeons at Arete Hospitals.
3. How are CV Junction anomalies diagnosed?
The diagnosis of CVJ abnormalities involves reviewing the medical history of the patient, physical examination, and use of neuroimaging tests. The structural anomalies in the CVJ are visualised using lateral view X-rays, CT scans, and MRI. The most common diagnostic method for CVJ abnormalities is a CT scan. However, MRI and CT myelography are considered if more investigations are required. Acute or rapidly progressing impairments constitute an emergency that necessitates prompt imaging. Sagittal MRI is the most effective in detecting related neurological lesions (e.g., medulla, pons, cerebellar, spinal cord, and vascular abnormalities; syringomyelia) and soft-tissue lesions. CT scans depict bone structures more accurately than MRI scans and can be performed more quickly in an emergency.
For more details consult today with the best Craniovertebral Junction Surgery Doctors in Hyderabad at Arete Hospitals. It has a state-of-the-art facility, radiology labs, latest technologies, and a most experienced team of doctors to treat all types of neurological and spinal issues. Book a visit today for more details.
