This surgery removes damaged or diseased vertebral bone and surrounding discs to relieve neck, arm and leg symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves. An incision is made on the front of the neck, and the discs above and below the damaged vertebrae are removed, along with the damaged vertebra itself. A bone graft is placed between the vertebra, and a small metal plate may be fastened over the area to hold the bones in place while the vertebra heal.