Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)

ACDF is a surgery performed to treat herniated discs, myelopathy and other spinal problems. It involves the removal of an affected disc causing pain and spinal fusion. In the gap where the removed disc was, a disc replacement made of bone or a special disc device will be placed.

During ACDF, the surgeon makes a small incision in the front (anterior) of the neck to access the affected disc. The damaged or herniated disc is carefully removed (discectomy), and a bone graft or implant is inserted to maintain proper spinal height and stability. A metal plate and screws are often used to hold the vertebrae together while the bones fuse over time, providing long-term stability.

Certain conditions such as acute disc prolapse would be amenable to an anterior cervical disc replacement as opposed to fusion. This allows the cervical spine to maintain its mobility and could occasionally reduce the need for further fusion procedures in the future.

Most patients experience significant symptom relief following ACDF, with reduced arm pain and improved strength. In-hospital stay following the procedure usually ranges from 1 to 2 days. Some patients may experience slight difficulty with swallowing following this procedure that can take 1 to 2 weeks to resolve. Recovery typically requires avoidance of heavy lifting, along with physical therapy to restore mobility and strength. The success rate of ACDF is high, making it a preferred procedure for cervical spine conditions.