ACDF Surgery: Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion

There are several primary causes of cervical spine problems. The majority of the symptoms are caused by disc, bone, or ligaments pressing onto the nerve roots or cord.

During the natural aging process, the discs between each vertebral body can lose their flexibility, height, and elasticity. This can lead to a tear in the tough outer layer of the disc, causing the gelatinous core to bulge or herniate. As DDD advances, osteophytes (or bone spurs) develop around the disc and joints of the spine.

Cervical disc bulging or herniation can cause pressure on the nerve roots and/or spinal cord causing symptoms including radiating arm, neck, and shoulder pain, loss of dexterity or motor function, and numbness and tingling in the hand or arm.

In some patients, the spinal cord can be compressed by bony osteophytes (spurs), herniated discs or by other soft tissues such as ligaments. This is often referred to as spinal stenosis, which can lead to symptoms including: radiating arm pain, arm and hand weakness and numbness, loss of dexterity and motor function, gait instability, and neck pain.

Compression of the cord and nerve roots can also be caused by accidents and injuries which damage parts of the spine. Some of the possibilities are traumatic disc herniation, facet fracture, ligament instability, and fracture dislocation.

What are my treatment options?

Many of the symptoms can be treated without surgery with methods that involve rest, heat, medication, and physical therapy. It is important that you speak to your physician about the best options for you.

If your symptoms do not improve with other methods, Dr. Morrison may suggest spinal surgery. Surgery is reserved for those who do not gain relief from non-operative forms of treatment, patients whose symptoms are increasing or worsening, and/or patients that present with a spinal condition which indicates the need for surgery.

Before surgery, Dr. Morrison will review your condition and explain all of your treatment options, including medications, physical therapy, and other surgeries such as removal of the diseased disc, fusion, etc.

Once you have been admitted to the hospital, you will be taken to a pre-op room and prepared for surgery. This may include instruction about the surgery, cleansing of your surgical site, as well as instruction about the postoperative period.

ACDF surgical procedure

Traditionally, a small incision is created over the treatment area. The size of the incision can vary based on number of levels and or complexity of the case. The diseased or damaged disc is removed to reduce pressure from the symptomatic cord or nerve root.

Plate with screws Implant Implant with built-in fixation An implant is inserted into the void left once the disc is removed. This implant acts as a mechanical support for the vertebrae while bone grows between vertebral bodies during the fusion (bone healing) process. That segment of your spine will stabilize once fusion occurs. Your surgeon may choose to add additional fixation depending on the type of implant used. A small plate and screws are then placed over the disc space to act as a stabilization device (internal brace) to help hold everything in place while fusion occurs.

ACDF surgery recovery

After surgery you will wake up in the recovery room, where your vital signs will be monitored and your immediate postoperative condition will be carefully observed. Most patients stay in the recovery room between one and three hours after surgery. Once the medical staff feels that you are doing well, you will be returned to your room in the hospital. It is normal for your incision to be sore immediately after surgery. The nursing staff will be checking to make sure that your vital signs are stable and that there is no problem with either the wound or nerve function in your extremities.

Most ACDF patients are discharged from the hospital the same day or day after surgery, but your physician will determine the best postoperative course for you, depending on your comfort and any other health problems you may have.

Dr. Morrison will discuss with you any pain medications to take home, as well as wound care instructions, exercises, physical therapy, collar wear, and any activity restrictions, if applicable.

Are there risks involved?

All surgery presents risks and complications that are important to discuss with your physician prior to your surgery. Listening to your physician’s guidance both before and after surgery will help to ensure the best possible outcome from your procedure. Risks associated with anterior cervical surgery of the spine include: cervical edema (swelling), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing); dysphonia (hoarseness); vocal cord paralysis; laryngeal palsy; sore throat; recurring aspirations; nerve deficits or damage; tracheal, esophageal, and pharyngeal perforation; airway obstruction; deficit or damage to the spinal cord, nerve roots, or nerves possibly resulting in paralysis or dural tears or leaking; cerebrospinal fistula; discitis, arachnoiditis, and/or other types of inflammation; loss of disc height; loss of proper curvature, correction, height, or reduction of the spine; vertebral slipping; scarring, herniation, or degeneration of adjacent discs; surrounding soft tissue damage, spinal stenosis, myelopathic, or radicular symptoms; spondyloysis; otitis media; fistula; vascular damage and/or rupture; and headache, stroke, and even death. Please contact your physician to discuss all potential risks. Frequently asked questions

Can I shower after ACDF surgery?

You may shower two days after surgery.

Will I have a scar from the ACDF operation?

This surgery involves a small incision on the anterior (front) of your neck. In some instances, the incision follows a natural skin fold, and thus the resulting scar usually heals so that it is barely visible. Ask your physician for more information though, as every patient is different.

When can I drive?

For a period of time after your surgery, you may be cautioned about activities such as driving. Your physician will tell you when you may drive again

Can I travel after an ACDF procedure?

The implants used in the ACDF procedure may activate a metal detector. Because of increased airport security measures, please call your local airport authority before traveling to get information that might help you pass through security more quickly and easily. Dr. Morrison and our Palm Beach County neurosurgery office team can provide a patient identification card.