Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a type of neck surgery that involves removing a damaged disc to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure and alleviate corresponding pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. The adjacent vertebrae are then stabilized, the graft is placed in the space that once held the disc, and finally the surgical hardware for the fusion is positioned. A discectomy is a form of surgical decompression, so the procedure may also be called an anterior cervical decompression.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a type of neck surgery that involves removing a damaged disc to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure and alleviate corresponding pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling. The adjacent vertebrae are then stabilized, the graft is placed in the space that once held the disc, and finally the surgical hardware for the fusion is positioned. A discectomy is a form of surgical decompression, so the procedure may also be called an anterior cervical decompression.
After entering the operating room, you will be administered anesthesia to put you to sleep. The anesthesia team will go over all questions you may have regarding anesthesia prior to your surgery. The surgeon will make a small incision at the front of the neck towards the left side of the windpipe. Once inside, the surgeon will then remove the problem disc and insert the graft where the disc had been. A compound will be used to fill in the space between the vertebral bones and finally, a small metal plate will be attached to the front of the two vertebrae using tiny screws. This permanent plate helps hold the bones in place while you heal. The procedure typically takes about 1-1 ½ hours to complete. The fusion can take 9 months to 1 year to totally fuse.
After entering the operating room, you will be administered anesthesia to put you to sleep. The anesthesia team will go over all questions you may have regarding anesthesia prior to your surgery. The surgeon will make a small incision at the front of the neck towards the left side of the windpipe. Once inside, the surgeon will then remove the problem disc and insert the graft where the disc had been. A compound will be used to fill in the space between the vertebral bones and finally, a small metal plate will be attached to the front of the two vertebrae using tiny screws. This permanent plate helps hold the bones in place while you heal. The procedure typically takes about 1-1 ½ hours to complete. The fusion can take 9 months to 1 year to totally fuse.
