Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF)

Overview

During this neck surgery, a neurosurgeon accesses the spine from the front of the neck, gently moving aside the trachea, esophagus and neck muscles.

The first part of the surgery is the discectomy, where the surgeon removes the disc (or discs) between the affected cervical vertebrae. Next, the surgeon removes the affected vertebra (the bone).

To replace the removed bone, a strut packed with bone is inserted and then fused to the other vertebra. This is accomplished with bone grafts, screws and plates. This holds them in position while the body solidifies the bone.

The ACCF procedure is similar to the Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), but this procedure also removes the entire vertebra.

Initial recovery is usually 6-8 weeks, with patients. Initially, patients will need to rest and manage any pain with medication. Some patients may need to wear a neck collar for additional support. There will be limits on lifting, driving and neck motion at first.

Once deemed safe by the surgeon, physical therapy will start in order to strengthen the muscles and maintain as much flexibility as possible.

Many people are able to return to normal activities approximately 3 to 4 months after the surgery. Complete recovery from the procedure where the bones fully fuse and solidify can take six months to a year.

 

What it Treats

ACCF is a surgical treatment for multiple cervical (neck) conditions, including:

• Bulging discs
• Calcified discs and ligaments
• Bony tumor
• stenosis