Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

Discectomy translates to “cutting out the disc”, and is a form of surgical decompression. The process involves removing a herniated or degenerated disc, and placing a spacer bone graft in the open space.

A fusion surgery is usually performed at the same time as a discectomy, in order to stabilize the cervical segment. Together, these services are called an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion, or ACDF.

Where An ACDF is Performed

Though Discectomies can be performed anywhere along the spine from the neck (cervical) to the lower back (lumbar), an ACDF is performed from the front of the spine, through the throat area.

Performing the surgery in a suture-less method, through the front of the neck (anterior) versus the back of the neck (posterior) allows us to access the discs without disturbing the spine and spinal nerves. This also allows for improved function after surgery, less blood loss, and more complete decompression of spinal nerves.

Why an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

The goal of an ACDF is to remove a herniated or degenerated disc in the neck area of the spine.

The discs in your spine consists of 80% water. When you grow older, the discs begin to dry out and shrink, causing small tears in the annulus (the surrounding wall) and inflammation in the nerve root. The nucleus pulposus (the jelly-like center) of the herniated disc bulges out through the annulus and presses on the nerve root next to it, causing inflammation and serious pain.

ACDF procedures are used if and only if other non-surgical treatments have failed in treating the pain.

How an ACDF is Performed

• An Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion begins with a very small incision in the front of the neck.
• The bulging or herniated discs and the bone spurs that are compressing the nerves and spinal cord are removed.
• A bone graft is then placed between the two vertebrae where the disc was.
• Over time, the bone graft heals (fuses) the two vertebrae.
• A small plate is then placed on the two vertebrae, holding them still and further assisting the fusion.

Hospital Stay

Overnight

Typically 1-3 nights in the hospital.

Surgery Type

Traditional

While not technically minimally invasive, care will be made to keep incisions and tissue disruption to a minimum.

Blood Loss

Minimal

This procedure will cause minimal blood loss with limited tissue disruption.

Recovery Time

Hours to weeks

Patients are usually up and walking hours after surgery. Often back to work approximately 4 weeks after surgery. No heavy lifting, twisting or bending for 6 months.

Surgery Time

Minutes

The procedure is usually completed in 30 minutes.

Not all patients and procedures are the same. The above is an example of what the typical patient can expect from some minimally invasive procedures.