Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

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 procedure includes both decompression and fusion to treat the cervical (neck) condition.

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

The vertebra (bones) above and below the removed disc are then fused, or joined, together using screws and surgical hardware.  This holds them in position while the body solidifies the bone.

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

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

• herniated or bulging discs
• pinched nerves
• cervical radiculopathy
• cervical stenosis
• bone spurs in the neck
• arthritis in the neck