What is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?
An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure used to treat spinal cord compression by decompressing the nerve roots and spinal cord at the cervical spine discetomy. This procedures stabilizes the attached vertebrae. ACDF is used when other non-surgical treatments were not successful.
Who is a candidate for ACDF?
If you have a herniated or degenerative cervical disc that is not healing with other treatments, having an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) may be a treatment option to consider. Prime candidates for this surgery are those who have had diagnostic tests that confirm a herniated or degenerative disc. Other candidates can include people who experience significant pain and weakness in their hand or arm or symptoms that have not improved with medication and/or therapy.
An orthopedic surgeon will thoroughly explain the procedure at your consultation if you are a candidate. Your surgeon will discuss with you the particulars of your condition and how you may benefit from the ACDF procedure.
What to expect during an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery
During the ACDF procedure, an incision is made in the throat access the front of the spine. The disc is then removed and a graft is inserted which fuses together the bones above and below the disc. Since the neck muscles, spinal column, and spinal nerves are not disturbed, post-op pain is decreased and providing for faster recovery. The natural healing process allows for fusion to be complete within a few months.
Recovery and pain management
This procedure usually takes one to two hours to complete. You will be asleep under general anesthesia for the surgery and monitored during the procedure as well as during recovery. We will make sure you are comfortable before discharging you to recover in the comfort of your own home.
Pain is managed with limited narcotic medication. You might experience hoarseness or a sore throat. These symptoms usually clear up after a few days to a week or two.
If you believe you may be a candidate for ACDF surgery, contact us for a consultation with one of our surgeons.
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“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
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After an ACL injury, ROM can be negatively affected. ACL repair surgery helps restore function, but physical therapy is essential to ROM.
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