[Fenestration of intervertebral disks in the treatment of cervical osteochondritis]

The results of 30 operations of disk fenestration in instability of spinal segments in cervical osteochondritis are generalized. Most operations were conducted on disks CIII-IV and CIV-V whose impaired fixation capacity caused the syndromes of cervicalgia and vertebral artery affection. The operative technique comprised the formation of an opening in the anterior parts of the fibrous ring the nucleus pulposus was not removed. An immobilizing cotton-gauze Schanz's collar was then applied for 4 to 6 weeks. Stabilization of the spinal segment due to fibrotization of the operated on disk occurred in 80% of cases. It brought complete relief from the reflex pain syndromes of cervical osteochondrosis.