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Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery is a common spinal procedure designed to relieve neck pain, arm pain, and nerve compression caused by damaged or degenerated discs in the cervical (neck) region of the spine. The surgery involves approaching the spine from the front (anterior) of the neck, removing the problematic disc (discectomy), and then fusing the adjacent vertebrae together to stabilize the spine. ACDF is often recommended for patients suffering from conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or nerve compression that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections.
The procedure begins with a small incision in the front of the neck, allowing the surgeon to carefully move aside muscles and tissues to access the cervical spine. Once the affected disc is removed, a bone graft—either from the patient’s own body (autograft), a donor (allograft), or a synthetic material—is inserted into the empty disc space. This graft serves as a foundation for new bone growth that will ultimately fuse the vertebrae together. In many cases, a metal plate and screws are added to provide immediate stability and improve the chances of a successful fusion. Over time, the bone graft integrates with the surrounding vertebrae, creating a solid, stable segment.
ACDF surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the number of spinal levels involved. Most patients stay in the hospital for one or two nights for monitoring and pain management. Recovery varies by individual, but many people can return to light activities within a few weeks and gradually resume normal routines over the next few months. Physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength and flexibility.
As with any surgery, ACDF comes with potential risks, though complications are relatively rare. These may include infection, bleeding, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness due to temporary nerve irritation, or the possibility of incomplete pain relief. In some cases, the bones may fail to fuse properly, requiring additional surgery. However, the success rate for ACDF is high, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in pain and neurological symptoms.
It’s important to have a detailed discussion with your spine specialist to determine if ACDF is the right option for your condition. Factors such as your overall health, the severity of nerve compression, and your response to non-surgical treatments will guide this decision. With proper patient selection and skilled surgical technique, ACDF can provide lasting pain relief and improved quality of life for individuals struggling with cervical spine disorders.
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