An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure performed to treat certain conditions affecting the neck and cervical spine. The goal of the procedure is to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots and stabilize the affected area of the spine.
During an ACDF, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck to access the cervical spine. The muscles and tissues are gently moved aside to expose the problem disc or discs. A discectomy is then performed, which involves removing the damaged or herniated disc(s) that may be compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots.
After the disc is removed, the space between the adjacent vertebrae is usually filled with a bone graft. The bone graft promotes fusion, which is the process of joining the two vertebrae together to form a single, solid bone. The graft may be taken from the patient’s own body (autograft) or obtained from a bone bank (allograft). The surgeon then places a titanium metal implant called a cervical plate with screws to provide additional stability during the fusion process.
The fusion process typically takes several months to complete. During this time, the bone graft gradually fuses the vertebrae together, resulting in a solid bone bridge. This fusion helps to stabilize the spine, relieve symptoms, and prevent further degeneration or movement between the vertebrae.
ACDF is commonly performed to treat conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and cervical fractures. It can help alleviate symptoms such as neck pain, arm pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling caused by compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots in the cervical spine. The procedure is usually considered after conservative treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or epidural injections, have failed to provide sufficient relief.
The patient can do the following to better control their surgical success:
Physical and mental health play a significant role in postoperative success. Surgery will take a physical toll on the body, so be sure to eat plenty of nutrients and strengthen muscles through exercise. Quitting habits like smoking and drinking can also increase your chance of success. Additionally, mental health can affect positivity levels and, thus, overall recovery time.
Getting the patient’s home ready before surgery can save a lot of stress and hassle afterward. A neck brace is usually required after surgery and can prevent the patient from doing certain tasks, like reaching up to a cabinet or bending down to feed a pet. Make sure everything is easily accessible, and consider bringing the bed to the home’s main level if it is not there already.
The doctor will sit with the patient and go through any medical history, current medications or health conditions that might interfere with surgery. The doctor may request the patient to stop taking a particular medicine or supplement before ACDF surgery. It is important to comply with these orders to ensure the patient’s safety.
Get a better look at pre-op, surgical and post-op procedures for ACDF below.
ACDF is generally a safe surgery. However, all surgical procedures can have potential risks.
Some complications that can occur with ACDF include:
Yes, a neck brace is usually required following ACDF surgery. The patient may wear this from four to six weeks and should keep it on at all times until told otherwise, except when sleeping or showering.
Complete recovery times from ACDF can differ. It can take up to one year for the bone graft to be completely fused to the surrounding vertebrae.
It is recommended that patients wait two days before showering after surgery. Be careful when rinsing the incision with soap and water — do not scrub. Following the shower, gently pat the incision to dry it.
Baths and other types of submersion — like swimming pools or hot tubs — are not permitted until around two weeks after the surgery or after the incision has completely healed.
Exercising or any strenuous activity should wait until around six weeks following ACDF surgery. This time frame will likely be when physical therapy also begins, teaching the patient to move safely and return to regular activities.
For more information on anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery, schedule an appointment with Desert Institute for Spine Care today. We’re eager to help you get your life back on track.
Our spine health blog features up-to-date spine education and expert spine tips from our spine specialists here at DISC.
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