Living with chronic neck pain can make daily activities hard. If treatments like medicine and therapy haven’t worked, your doctor might suggest ACDF surgery. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after this surgery can help you prepare better. This guide will walk you through the timeline from the first meeting to full recovery.
What Is ACDF Neck Fusion Surgery?
ACDF stands for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. This surgery relieves pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in your neck. The surgeon removes a damaged disc and then fuses the vertebrae on either side of it. This surgery helps treat:
- Herniated or worn-out discs
- Narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis)
- Pinched nerves in the neck
- Pressure on the spinal cord
ACDF surgery has a high success rate between 73% and 100%. While it is a major surgery, newer techniques have made it safer and more effective.
How Long Does ACDF Surgery Take?
The surgery itself usually takes 1-4 hours. The exact time depends on several factors:
- How many levels of your spine need fusion
- Your surgeon’s experience
- Your body’s anatomy
- Whether the surgeon uses minimally invasive methods
- How complex your specific problem is
A single-level fusion (joining two vertebrae) typically takes 1-2 hours. Each additional level may add 30-60 minutes to the surgery time.
Factors That Affect ACDF Surgery Duration
Number of Fusions
More serious conditions may require fusing more than one level of your spine. Each extra fusion adds more time to the surgery.
Expert Care Team
At Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, our specialists combine top training with personalized care. We create a custom surgical plan for each patient, working together to ensure the best results without cutting corners.
Minimally Invasive vs. Traditional Techniques
Surgeons may use minimally invasive techniques when possible. These can shorten surgery time and reduce damage to surrounding tissues.
It's time to get back
to doing what you love.
What to Expect: Your ACDF Surgery Timeline
Pre-Surgery (1-2 Weeks Before)
- Complete evaluation and imaging tests
- Medical clearance from your regular doctor
- Instructions about which medications to stop
- Rules about when to stop eating and drinking
- Tips to quit smoking (very important for proper healing)
Day of Surgery
- Anesthesia (30 minutes)
- A small cut at the front of your neck
- Removal of the damaged disc
- Cleaning and preparing the space
- Placing a bone graft or spacer
- Adding plates and screws for stability
- Closing the cut with stitches
- Recovery room monitoring
Hospital Stay
Most patients stay in the hospital for:
- Same day: Some patients go home the same day
- Short stay: Usually 1 night for observation
- Longer stay: 2-3 days for complex cases or if problems arise
Recovery Timeline
First 2 Weeks:
- Sore throat and trouble swallowing (gets better in a few days)
- Wearing a neck brace as directed
- Limited activity but gradually walking more
- Pain management with prescribed medicines
2-6 Weeks:
- Return to desk jobs
- Start gentle physical therapy
- Gradually reduce neck brace use
- Follow-up visit with your surgeon
6-12 Weeks:
- Return to more physical work (with surgeon’s approval)
- More advanced physical therapy
- Gradual return to normal daily activities
- X-rays to check fusion progress
3-6 Months:
- Return to most physical activities
- Continue strengthening exercises
- Few activity limits for most patients
6-12 Months:
- Complete bone fusion usually happens
- Full return to normal activities, including sports
- Long-term check-ups to ensure successful fusion
Is ACDF Surgery Right for You?
Not everyone is a good fit for ACDF surgery, but many people with neck problems can benefit. Factors that affect whether you’re a good candidate include:
- How severe and long-lasting your symptoms are
- How well other treatments have worked
- Your overall health
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, activity level)
- Your specific spine problem
People who do well with ACDF surgery typically:
- Don’t smoke
- Exercise regularly
- Follow their doctor’s instructions carefully
- Have realistic expectations about recovery
It’s time to get back to doing what you love.
Insurance Options for ACDF Surgery
At Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, we know insurance is a major concern. Our insurance specialist can help you understand and manage your coverage.
We work with many insurance networks, including:
- Aetna
- Cigna
- Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ
- United Healthcare
- Many others
Even if your insurance isn’t on our list, you may still have good coverage. Contact our insurance specialist to discuss your situation.
Why Choose Neurosurgeons of New Jersey for Your ACDF Surgery
Our specialists offer expert care with personal attention. We give you the same quality you’d expect from major medical centers but with the personalized care of a private practice.
- Board-certified neurosurgeons who specialize in spine surgery
- Minimally invasive techniques, when appropriate
- Convenient locations throughout New Jersey
- Telehealth consultations
- Complete pre- and post-operative support
Located close to New York City, we understand you shouldn’t wait weeks for an appointment when you’re in pain. That’s why we offer telehealth consultations to discuss whether ACDF surgery could help you live more comfortably.
Schedule a Consultation With Our Team
Don’t let neck pain control your life any longer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists.
Call: 551-284-3265
We aim to provide clear information to help you make smart decisions about your health. The road to feeling like yourself again shouldn’t be lonely—let us help you.
FAQs
Will I need to wear a neck brace?
Most surgeons recommend wearing a neck brace for 2-6 weeks after surgery. The type of brace and how long you’ll need it depend on your condition, the number of levels fused, and your surgeon’s preference.
When can I return to work?
Most patients can return to desk jobs within 2-4 weeks. More physical jobs may require 6-12 weeks of recovery before returning.
What activities should I avoid during recovery?
During early recovery, you should avoid lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds, bending or twisting your neck, and any high-impact activities. Your surgeon will give you specific guidelines for your case.
How painful is recovery from ACDF surgery?
Most patients have moderate pain for the first few days, and it gradually improves. Throat discomfort and trouble swallowing are common but typically go away within a few days to a week.
Will I lose neck mobility after fusion?
You may lose some motion at the fused level(s), but most patients overlook major limitations in daily activities. The other parts of your neck often adjust to make up for the fused segments.
About Dr. William S. Cobb
Dr. William Cobb is an accomplished neurosurgeon in North Jersey and a proud member of Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, practicing out of their Ridgewood office conveniently located on East Ridgewood Avenue. During his Neurological Surgery residency, he became passionate about the development and treatment of brain tumors affecting the brain and spine. Dr. Cobb uses state-of-the-art technology for surgical intervention in the treatment of tumors of the brain and spine including Gamma Knife radiosurgery. He has vast experience in using modern minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of degenerative spine and intervertebral disc disease. Dr. Cobb serves as the Director of Neurosurgical Oncology at Valley Hospital. He's accepting new patients.
