Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in the neck caused by a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or other conditions affecting the cervical spine. ACDF involves removing the damaged disc and fusing the adjacent vertebrae together to create stability in the cervical spine.
Here’s an overview of the anterior cervical disc fusion procedure:
Anesthesia:
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
Incision:
The surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the neck, usually along a natural skin crease. The exact location and size of the incision may vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the surgeon’s preference.
Discectomy:
The surgeon carefully removes the damaged or herniated disc, relieving the pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Any bone spurs or other structures causing compression may also be removed.
Graft placement:
To promote fusion and stability, the surgeon fills the empty disc space with a bone graft. The graft can be obtained from the patient’s own bone (autograft), typically from the iliac crest (pelvic bone), or it can be an allograft (obtained from a donor) or synthetic material. The graft serves as a bridge between the adjacent vertebrae, promoting the growth of new bone to fuse the vertebrae together.
Fixation:
In some cases, metal plates, screws, or rods may be used to stabilize the cervical spine during the fusion process. This hardware helps to maintain proper alignment and allows the bone graft to heal and fuse.
Closure:
Once the graft is in place, the incision is closed using sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery area before being transferred to a hospital room. You may need to wear a cervical collar to support the neck during the initial healing phase. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are typically recommended to help restore neck strength, flexibility, and function.
Recovery time can vary depending on factors such as the extent of the surgery, individual healing factors, and adherence to rehabilitation protocols. It may take several weeks to months to fully recover and return to normal activities.
As with any surgical procedure, anterior cervical disc fusion carries risks and potential complications, although they are generally rare. These may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, difficulty swallowing or speaking, hoarseness, stiffness, failure of fusion, or adjacent level disc degeneration. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you prior to the surgery.
It is important to consult with a spine surgeon or orthopedic specialist specializing in cervical spine conditions to determine if anterior cervical disc fusion is the right option for you. The surgeon will evaluate your specific condition, consider your overall health, and discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives of the procedure. At Alabama Bone and Joint Clinic our spine specialist will guide you through your treatment options. Call today to schedule an appointment with our expert in spine care, Winston Capel, M.D. is board certified in neurosurgery and fellowship trained in spinal surgery.
My visit to AL Bone and Joint Clinic was s pleasant visit , wait time was minimal the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. The Dr explained my injury so I could understand . They made me feel comfortable and taken care of.
I have been seeing Dr. Johnson at Alabama Bone & Joint for a few years now. He has always been professional, knowledgeable and very understanding. He takes time to answer questions and provide as much information as possible to ensure I understand what is going on and what the next steps should be. The staff is always kind and amazing. His nurse Heather is my favorite, she always has a smile and is very caring. I highly recommend.
Very pleasant experience. Very helpful, provided all answers to questions and information that was needed
