Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Verified By: Dr. Akhil Tawari (MBBS, MS (Orthopedics), DNB (Orthopedics), and D-Ortho)

What is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a standard surgical procedure performed to remove a herniated or degenerated disc from the neck. After the surgeon removes the damaged disc, they fuse the bones together. The goal of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is to relieve the patient’s chronic pain by removing the source of pressure on the compressed nerves in the neck. Your physician will recommend Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion for the following conditions:

To remove a disc in your spine that has become worn out or damaged.
To remove bone spurs on your vertebrae that pinch your nerves. Pinched nerves can make your legs or arms feel numb or weak.
To treat a herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc.
To treat bulging disc
To treat degenerative disc disease
To treat trauma or tumors.
To treat pressure on the spinal cord, caused by a prolapsed or ruptured disc, or other causes of spinal canal narrowing.
To treat instability of the cervical spine, caused by arthritis, or trauma.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion release the pressure that has been built on the spinal cord due to the displacement of the disc in that region. The modern technique like Endoscopic Micro Discectomy helps to quicken recovery of the patient.

How is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Performed?

The surgery is called anterior because the surgeon accesses the disc through the front of the neck, rather than through the back. You will be under general anesthesia throughout the entire surgery. An ACDF surgery can take one to four hours depending on the number of discs to be removed.

Step 1 – The surgeon makes a small incision at the front (anterior) of the neck area (cervical) so as not to disturb the spine, spinal cord, or strong muscles in the back of the neck and exposes the vertebrae and discs.
Step 2 – The surgeon uses tools to take out any bone spurs or discs that are damaged or pushing on your nerves and causing pain. This step is called discectomy.
Step 3 – The surgeon uses a microscope to remove the damaged disc. After the disc is removed, the surgeon uses a drill to prepare a space in the vertebrae above and below the removed disc, so that they can better hold the material for the bone graft.
Step 4 – The surgeon places the bone graft or man-made bone graft material into the space and may secure it with screws and a plate.
Step 5 – The surgeon closes the muscles and skin at the incision with sutures.

When the body begins its natural healing process after surgery, new bone cells will grow around the bone graft, creating a single piece of bone to join the vertebrae above and below the discectomy. If metal plates and screws have been used, bone may grow around them to reinforce them.

Want more clarification about medical expense & treatment plan?

Consult an Experienced Doctor online for a free opinions and plan your Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion In India

Book an Appointment

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion at Treatment Possible:

Treatment Possible is associated with Top Spine Surgeon in India who are specialized in ACDF. We work with the best spine surgery hospital in India that are equipped with OT that are compatible for complex spine surgeries. Treatment Possible also associate with the best spine specialist in India who are experienced in operating complex spine surgeries.

The Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion cost in India ranges from USD 5000-6500, excluding the spine implant cost in India. The spine surgery cost in India through Treatment Possible can be 10-20% lower than similar hospitals in India and 50-60% cheaper in other countries. Treatment Possible ensures the best spine hospitals in India while guaranteeing the best yet affordable surgery cost. Our understanding of the Indian Medical Services, Healthcare market and our valued relations with the best spine surgeon in India enables us to provide the spine surgery in India at a price that is reasonable, affordable and transparent.

Get Free Consultation with the Top 10 Spine Surgeon in India with the hassle-free setup of post-operative recovery care, medical travel & stay during the medical treatment. You can also send your medical reports for Spine Surgery to care@treatmentpossible.com for free opinions and suggestions from the India best spine surgeon. No matter what the health condition, you always get good healthcare options and cost advantage from Treatment Possible!

Frequently asked Questions:

What is the Success Rate of ACDF?

This surgery has a high success rate. Between 93 to 100 percent of people who’ve had ACDF surgery for arm pain reported relief from pain, and 73 to 83 percent of people who had ACDF surgery for neck pain reported positive results.

Why is the ACDF Surgery done?

It is done to remove a disk in your spine that has been injured or worn down or to remove bone spurs on your vertebrae that pinch your nerves

How long does it take to recover from ACDF Surgery?

Recovery time can vary widely. Some patients are able to return to work within a few days or a week after surgery. Others start physical therapy about four weeks after surgery, and continue for 2 or 3 months.

What are the risks of ACDF?

Hoarseness and swallowing difficulties, Vertebrae failing to fuse, Hardware fracture, Bone graft migration, Transitional syndrome, Nerve damage or persistent pain.

What is an Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion (ACDF)?

If you are suffering from disc herniation or degeneration in the upper part of the spine known as the cervical area. The Anterior Cervical Discectomy is a procedure that involves surgically entering the front (Anterior) of the neck (Cervical) and removing a damaged cervical disc (Discectomy).

What are the Symptoms of ACDF?

Weakness in your hand or arm, Arm pain that is more severe than neck pain, Numbness/weakness in arms and extremities, Degenerative discs or herniated discs, Other cervical symptoms that have failed to respond to medication or physical therapy.

What to keep in mind after ACDF surgery?

Avoid lifting any objects over 5 pounds, Don’t sit for long periods of time, Don’t Smoke because Smoking delays healing by increasing the risk of complications (e.g., infection), Avoid bending your head forward or backward, Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery or until discussed with your surgeon.