
The minimally invasive ACDF is a 2-part procedure including a discectomy
and fusion performed from the front (anterior) of the neck (cervical spine)
where the vertebrae and disc are most accessible and can be reached without
disturbing the spinal cord. The goal of an ACDF is to decompress the nerve
root or spinal cord to relieve pain, pressure, and inflammation.
The procedure’s two parts include:
In the interim, immediate stability for the cervical spine is maintained by placing a titanium plate over the bone graft. The plate is attached to the affected vertebrae using tiny screws.
Most ACDF patients can go home the same day. At most, you will spend one or two nights in the hospital.
Soon after you wake up from surgery, a physical therapist will assist you in sitting up and walking around. Expect to wear a neck collar from 6 weeks to 3 months depending on the extent of your surgery. You may have a sore throat or difficulty swallowing for a week or two. But overall, there is not much pain associated with this surgery.
Unless there is irreversible nerve damage or spinal cord damage present prior to surgery, the ACDF procedure has a very high success rate for relieving arm pain, weakness, and numbness.
The most important factor in considering whether to have ACDF surgery is the severity of the symptoms from these spinal issues:
If you can say yes to any of these questions, ACDF may be an option to alleviate pain caused by your cervical spine condition. Only an advanced diagnosis based on your symptoms can tell what is causing your pain. In cases of myelopathy with spinal cord compromise, only surgery may help.
Call Inspired Spine to schedule an appointment today. You can also take advantage of our Free Consultation with an Inspired Spine surgeon.
When a nerve root here becomes compressed or irritated, it’s more than just neck pain. It can produce a condition called radiculopathy, sending pain signals radiating out from the neck through arms and hands, often combined with weakness and numbness.
When the spinal cord is compression, it creates a similar condition called myelopathy, causing weakness of upper and/or lower extremities, loss of coordination, and risk of disability.
An ACDF can also help patients who have suffered an injury or trauma to the neck.
ACDF has proven beneficial for some patients who have been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease , or arthritis of the cervical spine when conservative, non-surgical treatments did not alleviate pain and numbness.
Other possible indications include tumors or cervical deformity.
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