Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

After anesthesia is given, a ~2.5 inch incision is made on the front of the neck. The windpipe and esophagus is moved over the side, the injured disc is removed, and the nerves and spinal cord are carefully relieved of the damaging pressure.

The spacer is placed. This is repeated at multiple levels as needed. Sometimes a plate is placed on the front of the bone to stabilize.

Intraoperative X-rays are done to confirm placement, and the wound is checked for bleeding and the incision is sutured closed.

1. Relieve nerve and spinal cord compression

2. Stabilize arthritis in neck

3. Achieve fusion to connect vertebrae through the disc space with the spacer

Some patients may require spending a night in the hospital after surgery.

Soreness from the incision site can remain for a week or two, along with hoarseness and some difficulty swallowing.

The fusion may take 6-12 weeks to heal, as it takes time for the body to incorporate the bone graft.

Return to work times vary, some people are able to return to light work 2 week after surgery. For those with a very physically demanding job, return to work may not happen until at least 6 weeks after surgery.

Decrease neck pain by at least half and decrease arm symptoms by at least 70%.

There is no surgery without risks. They include but are not limited to: failed fusion, bad reaction to anesthesia, injury to vocal cords, injury to esophagus, difficulty swallowing, surgical site infection, prolonged pain, nerve injury, spinal cord injury, spinal fluid leak, and the need for additional surgery.