What is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery?
Pinched nerves, spinal cord compression and neck pain can be caused by many different conditions. Usually, these conditions are simply caused by the daily wear and tear that comes with aging.
This can produce discs, bones or ligaments that push on and irritate nerves producing pain, weakness, numbness or other neurological symptoms. Motion plays a role because these areas of compression occur in and around joints.
There is not just pressure on nerves, but a grinding effect along with it, even when motion is normal. Sometimes motion is excessive in these conditions, making things even worse.
Conditions that are often treated with an ACDF surgery include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Cervical Stenosis
- Cervical Spondylosis
- Cervical Spondyotic Myelopathy
- Herniated discs
- Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
- Bone spurs or osteophytes
To correct your condition, your doctor may perform an ACDF to decompress your nerves.
The ACDF Procedure
An ACDF procedure typically involves a small, lateral incision in a skin crease in front of your neck, careful dissection through a natural surgical corridor through the structures in the front of your neck down to the front of the spine and removal of one or more discs in their entirety to decompress your nerves.
After removal of the disc, the space left over is filled either with a spacer and material to promote bone growth. A small plate and screws are used to hold the bones together until the bone grows.
After your cervical spine surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area, and your surgeon will discuss with you and your family how your procedure went. Most patients can leave the hospital within 24 hours of the surgery.
Recovery after ACDF
Once you leave the hospital after surgery, with your surgeon’s permission, you can begin gentle exercise such as walking. After the procedure, there is a minor chance that you may experience minor discomfort, neck stiffness, difficulty swallowing, or some mild hoarseness, however, these conditions are temporary.
Your surgeon may ask that you maintain appropriate posture and avoid heavy lifting or excessive bending while your neck is healing. Most patients are able to return to sedentary work within a week or two of the surgery.
Most patients feel recovered from the pain related to their surgery within 2-4 weeks. Every person heals differently, so be sure to discuss your specific recovery course with your doctor so you understand what to expect.
Resumption of most activities is permitted after 6 weeks. Your doctor may advise to avoid certain high stress activities or work tasks until your fusion has solidified. This may take a few months.
You may benefit from a short course of physical therapy to help you regain flexibility and strength after fusion surgery in NJ. This active rehab program should focus on regaining normal mobility and independence.
Is an ACDF Right for Me?
It is normal to have some anxiety about a having an ACDF, but these feelings are natural, and most people feel better when they learn more about the procedure and how it can help them return to normal pain free activity.
Meeting with one of our professional doctors in our New Jersey offices is the best way to decide if ACDF is the right choice for you.