An Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a minimally invasive neck surgery that relieves pressure on the spine and nearby nerves.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgery represents one of the most successful and frequently performed procedures for treating cervical spine conditions that cause neck pain, arm pain, and neurological symptoms. This time-tested surgical approach addresses herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis in the neck by removing problematic disc material and fusing the adjacent vertebrae together. When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, ACDF surgery offers patients an excellent chance of eliminating pain and preventing further neurological deterioration.
At Oasis Medical Group, our experienced spine surgeons have performed hundreds of ACDF and other spinal procedures, helping patients throughout New Jersey find relief from debilitating cervical spine conditions. With locations in Glen Rock, Union, and Clifton, we provide comprehensive cervical spine care using advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology. Our team’s extensive experience with ACDF surgery allows us to achieve excellent outcomes while minimizing risks and ensuring optimal recovery for each patient.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure that approaches the cervical spine from the front of the neck (anterior approach) to remove damaged disc material and fuse adjacent vertebrae together. The procedure combines two essential components: discectomy, which involves removing the problematic disc, and fusion, which permanently joins the vertebrae to eliminate painful motion and provide stability.
The anterior approach offers several advantages over posterior (back-of-the-neck) surgical techniques. Working from the front allows surgeons to directly access the disc space and decompress neural structures without disturbing the spinal cord or nerve roots. This approach also provides excellent visualization of the anatomy and allows for thorough removal of disc material and bone spurs that may be compressing nerves.
ACDF surgery typically addresses one or two cervical levels, though multi-level procedures are possible when necessary. The procedure usually takes one to three hours, depending on the complexity of your case and the number of levels being treated. Most patients can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two days following surgery, during which time pain management and early mobilization begin.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a well-established surgical procedure that addresses cervical spine conditions by removing damaged disc material and fusing adjacent vertebrae to restore stability and eliminate nerve compression. During this procedure, our spine surgeons at Oasis Medical Group access the cervical spine through a carefully planned incision in the front of the neck, which provides direct access to the disc space without disturbing the spinal cord or surrounding neural structures.
The procedure consists of two essential components: the discectomy phase removes the problematic disc material that may be compressing nerves or the spinal cord, while the fusion phase permanently joins the adjacent vertebrae using bone graft material to eliminate painful motion and provide long-term stability. This anterior approach offers several advantages, including excellent visualization of the surgical area, direct access to the source of nerve compression, and the ability to achieve thorough decompression while maintaining spinal alignment. ACDF surgery is typically recommended for patients with cervical spine conditions that significantly impact their quality of life and haven’t responded adequately to conservative treatments. This proven procedure effectively addresses a range of cervical spine conditions, including:
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.
ACDF surgery begins with general anesthesia and positioning you on your back with your neck slightly extended. The procedure uses a small incision, typically 2-3 inches long, made horizontally across the front of the neck. This approach allows the surgeon to work between important structures like the trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels to reach the cervical spine. Your surgeon carefully moves the soft tissues aside to expose the cervical spine, taking great care to protect the surrounding structures. Once the appropriate disc level is identified using intraoperative X-rays, the surgeon removes the damaged disc material completely, including any bone spurs or other tissue that may be compressing nerves or the spinal cord.
After thoroughly cleaning the disc space, your surgeon prepares the vertebral endplates and places a bone graft or interbody cage filled with bone graft material into the disc space. This graft serves as a scaffold for new bone growth, eventually allowing the vertebrae to fuse together permanently. A metal plate is typically secured to the front of the vertebrae with screws to provide additional stability during the fusion process. The procedure concludes with careful closure of the surgical site in layers, ensuring proper healing and minimizing scarring. Throughout the surgery, your surgeon may use intraoperative monitoring to ensure the safety of neural structures and verify the adequacy of decompression.
At Oasis Medical Group, our experienced spine surgeons and comprehensive care team are dedicated to helping patients find relief from cervical spine conditions that significantly impact their daily lives. If you’ve tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and injections without achieving adequate pain relief, it may be time to consider surgical options. You don’t have to continue living with persistent neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness that interferes with your ability to work, sleep, or enjoy life.
Our team understands that each patient’s situation is unique, and we take a personalized approach to determining the most appropriate treatment plan. ACDF surgery isn’t right for everyone, and we carefully evaluate multiple factors to ensure you’re a good candidate for this procedure. Several key considerations help determine if ACDF surgery may be beneficial for your specific condition, including:
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.
If you’re suffering from cervical spine conditions that cause persistent neck pain, arm pain, or neurological symptoms, ACDF surgery may offer the relief you’ve been seeking. At Oasis Medical Group, our experienced spine surgeons have helped hundreds of patients achieve excellent outcomes through this proven procedure. We use advanced surgical techniques and comprehensive rehabilitation programs to maximize your chances of successful recovery.
Our team is committed to providing you with complete information about your treatment options, realistic expectations about outcomes, and personalized care throughout your recovery journey. We understand that cervical spine surgery is a significant decision, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. With multiple convenient locations throughout New Jersey and a commitment to excellence in cervical spine care, we’re dedicated to helping you return to the activities you love. Contact us today at (844) 366-8800 or request an appointment to learn more about ACDF surgery and how it can help restore your quality of life.
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