Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery (ACDF) is a procedure performed to reduce pressure on the spinal nerves and/or the spinal cord due to compression from a herniated disc or bone spur after all conservative treatments have been exhausted. This surgery is performed on the upper back/neck area and is two-fold, combining a discectomy and fusion surgery. It essentially consists of removing the damaged disc and then promoting bone growth and stability between the vertebrae.
ACDF surgery is a very common procedure and has a long and studied record of consistent positive outcomes. This is a highly successful surgery for pain relief with a very quick recovery. Disc replacement surgery is also available and appropriate in a select few cases.
Several factors will need to be considered prior to surgery, such as age, health status, lifestyle, anticipated levels of activity following surgery, as well as a number of appropriate diagnostic tests. Many patients present with complaints of neck and arm pain, caused by a herniated disc, cervical radiculopathy and spinal instability. Although many episodes of neck pain may be temporary, some patients experience chronic pain that ultimately requires surgery. There are three surgical options including cervical spinal fusion, cervical decompression surgery and disc replacement surgery.
You should be able to get up and walk around on the first day after the surgery. Dr Friesem will provide you with specific instructions including exercises to support your recovery.
Why do you need Cervical (neck) Surgery?
If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc or bone spurs (which can form when the joints of the spine calcify) this can result in:
- Pain in the neck and/or arms
- Decreased balance
- You have been diagnosed with cervical degeneration requiring surgery
- Lack of coordination
- Numbness or weakness in the arms, forearms or fingers
- You have been diagnosed with compression of either the nerve roots in the cervical spine or compression of the spinal cord itself
- Painkillers, rest, exercises and injections have not alleviated your pain
- There is a likelihood of serious complications involving the nerves if left untreated
- The pain in your neck, upper back and arms is having a profound effect on your quality of life
How is a Cervical Fusion Surgery performed?
When cervical spinal fusion surgery is performed, the affected bones in the neck are ‘fused’ together using bone graft material with a plate and/or cage, so that they can heal together and form one healthy bone. Bone grafts can be taken from the patient’s pelvic bone, or cadaver and synthetic bone are also options.
Depending on the type of herniated disc and spinal surgery, Dr Friesem will use either an anterior approach (the spine is operated on from the front) or a posterior approach (the spine is operated on form the back).
Surgical Cervical Spinal Fusion Techniques
The method of your cervical fusion surgery will be discussed at length with you prior to the procedure and the decision of which method to use will be based on your unique condition, needs and surgical requirements.
- The bone graft is used to make a bridge between adjacent vertebrae and stimulates the growth of the vertebrae together
- Man-made fusion materials may also be used as opposed to taking bone from the patient’s own body or from a cadaver
- Metal implants can be used to hold the vertebrae together until new bone growth occurs (cages, plates, screws and/or rods)
- An entire vertebra can be removed and replaced with a cage-type device and the spine can then be fused
- A diseased or herniated spinal disc can be removed and replaced with an artificial device (disc replacement surgery)