DO I NEED AN ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY AND FUSION?
An Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes a damaged disc to alleviate pressure in the spinal cord or nerve root. During this procedure, an Oasis orthopedic surgeon accesses the disc through the front (anterior) of the neck, rather than from the back, through a small incision to remove the damaged disc. A fusion is then performed by fusing together two more cervical vertebrae at the completion of the procedure, which allows for more stability in the neck. This two-part surgery allows easier access to discs and is a less invasive approach compared to traditional surgeries.
ACDF is often used to treat conditions that have become painful and impacted your day-to-day life. Common conditions treated by Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion include:
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs caused by arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Chronic neck and back pain
Patients who undergo this procedure are typically able to go home the same day as the surgery and recover in comfort for four to six weeks. For the fusion to fully heal into one, solid, strong bone, it can take 12 to 18 months.
If you’re suffering from a painful damaged cervical disc that isn’t showing signs of improvement with conservative treatments, you may need an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. Complete the Treatment Finder Tool below to see if this is the right treatment for you.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY AND FUSION?
At Oasis Orthopedic & Spine, our team of orthopedic surgeons and pain management specialists are leaders in providing treatment and care for people experiencing mild to severe pain. If you’ve exhausted conservative treatment options without experiencing pain relief, it’s time to speak with a specialist. You don’t have to live with pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling in your neck. The team at Oasis Orthopedic & Spine can help restore your quality of life.
There a few factors that will determine if you’re a good candidate for an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion including:
- Medical history
- Condition diagnosis
- Progression of your condition
- Medical imaging like a MRI or x-ray
Once it’s determined that an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is the right treatment option for you, our team will explain the procedure in detail, what you can expect, and schedule the procedure. An Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is a minimally invasive surgery that requires minimal incisions that give you optimal results, and allow you to recover more quickly.
At Oasis Orthopedic & Spine, we are dedicated to helping you achieve pain relief, and get back to your normal way of life. It’s time to begin your journey to pain relief. Take the first step to find out if you qualify for an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion with our Candidacy Check Tool below.