PROCEDURES

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is the surgical removal of a herniated disc, then sealing of the surrounding bones. The surgery is designed to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure and alleviate corresponding pain, weakness, numbness and tingling.

In order to stabilize the cervical section, a fusion operation is performed concurrently with the discectomy procedure. In order to provide the region stability and strength, a fusion entails inserting bone graft and/or implants where the disc formerly existed.

While this surgery is most commonly done to treat a symptomatic cervical herniated disc, it may also be done for cervical degenerative disc disease. It may also be done for more than one level of the cervical spine. This method is often preferred by spine surgeons because it allows access to the spine via a very simple pathway. Using this method, the patient often experiences less incisional discomfort and a more pleasant recovery.

• Anterior means that the surgery is approached from the front of the cervical spine (neck). The disc is then removed from between two vertebral bones.
• This approach provides better access to the neck, and less postoperative pain
• Cervical refers to the position on the spine, which is the upper or neck region
• Discectomy means to remove the disc
• A discectomy is a form of surgical decompression, so the procedure may also be called an anterior cervical decompression.
• Fusion surgery is almost always done at the same time as the discectomy in order to stabilize the cervical segment.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Complications

By far the most common complication following surgery is difficulty with swallowing, medically known as dysphagia. But not every ACDF procedure is the same; there are a variety of alternatives and factors that might affect the procedure’s outcome as well as relative risks and potential consequences. The best course of action for patients is to completely comprehend and go through the crucial elements of the ACDF, such as which or how many levels will be treated and why, what kind of implant will be utilized and why, and what kind of bone transplant the surgeon is advising and why.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Recovery

Patients often recover fully in two to six weeks. Following recovering from anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, you ought to be able to resume your normal activities with little to no loss of range of motion. Expect to feel less discomfort, which will lead to an improvement in your quality of life.

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