Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

When an individual is suffering from chronic neck pain it can be due to the degenerative changes that occur over time in the discs of the cervical spine and joints between each of the vertebrae. The pain can also be due to fractures or instability in the spinal area. Common symptoms include pain, numbness, weakness, problems with motor skills in the hands and the inability to walk correctly.

In most cases, surgical operation to control the pain is not necessary. However, if the condition is severe enough, an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) may be recommended to reduce neck pain. An ACDF is one of the most common surgical procedures performed when there are problems in the cervical spine.

An ACDF is typically done for two reasons: First, to remove pressure from the nerve roots. Second, to stop motion between the two vertebrae that are causing the pain.

The process includes the surgeon removing the disc causing the pain and then fusing the vertebra above and below that disc to either a bone graft or metal plate. This procedure is done under general anesthesia. The purpose of this procedure is to allow the bones to fuse together giving the patient more mobility and stop the degeneration.