Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) – Expert Spine Surgery in New York
In case you have chronic neck pain or other related problems, you may be considering surgeries such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).
The surgery has been proven as an effective way of treating intervertebral disc hernia, disc degeneration and other cervical vertebral disorders. Tristate Spine and Sports Surgery, initiated by Dr. Aron Rovner, has expertise in this life-changing operation and offers professional service personalised to your requirements. Our objective is to get rid of pain, resume function, and lead a more active life. Now, we should take a better look at the benefits of ACDF surgery, its procedure, and recovery process, and all that in between.
Understanding Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a surgical procedure that helps to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves caused by herniated discs or other spinal conditions.
During this surgery, the anterior part of the neck is cut, and the affected disk is excised and removed. Once the disc is excised, bone grafts are placed between the vertebrae to favour their fusion and to provide stability to the cervical vertebrae.
Why Would You Need ACDF Surgery?
ACDF surgery is required for a number of reasons why patients require surgery:
- Herniated Disc Removal: When the neck’s loss of intervertebral disc leads to herniation and presses on the spinal nerve to result in chronic pain, numbness, or muscle weakness.
- Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease: When due to age, the deterioration and wear of the disc result in pain and discomfort.
- Spinal Cord Compression: The spinal canal is stenosed and there is potential for spinal cord damage.
- Neck Pain Treatment: Chronic neck pain that fails to respond to non-surgical treatment.
Our staff stresses evaluation of all preservative treatments before surgery, but ACDF surgery can be the best choice if these treatments fail to relieve symptoms.
The Anterior Cervical Fusion Procedure
In performing ACDF surgery, Dr. Rovner:
- Make a Small Incision: Minor incision is made in the anterior of the neck in order to access the cervical vertebra.
- Remove the Herniated Disc: Gently excises involved intervertebral disc in order to relieve pressure over the nerve root and spinal cord.
- Insert a Bone Graft: Places bone graft into the intervertebral board space in order to enhance fusion of neighboring vertebrae.
- Secure with Hardware: For stability in the healing process, plates made of titanium are normally fixed onto the vertebrae.
This neck surgery is normally done with minimal invasive procedures to avoid much recovery time and scarring.
ACDF Recovery Time
Even though the recovery time for ACDF varies from person to person, it takes around 4-6 weeks to heal initially. You might feel some discomfort during that time, but you can overcome it with pain relief medication prescribed by your doctor. Most patients say that they feel the pain in their arm and neck diminished just after surgery. That is because pressure on the nerve root is alleviated.
What Should I Avoid Doing After ACDF Surgery?
As Dr. Rovner has mentioned, it is necessary to follow the postoperative instructions to allow a successful postoperative period.
The following are the actions you should avoid:
- Bending or Twisting: No bending or twisting the neck should take place during at least six weeks after surgery.
- Heavy Objects: Never lift anything that weighs over 5-10 pounds until the doctor says it is okay.
- Driving: Do not drive as long as you still wear protection against pain and feel unable to react immediately.
Common Complications of ACDF Surgery
Similar to other surgeries, complications are infrequent but can happen.
Possible Complications are:
- Wound infection.
- Nerve and surrounding tissue injury.
- Swallowing difficulty on a temporary basis.
- Spinal fusion complications.
What is the Success Rate of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?
The rate of success of anterior vertebral intervertebral disc resection and fusion technique is rather high, and in the study about 85-90% of the patients report significant pain improvement and functional improvement. Most patients are able to resume normal activities in a matter of months.
Disadvantages of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
ACDF is a very effective surgery, but the following possible drawbacks need to be known:
- Potential for adjacent segment disease, where other discs may deteriorate faster after ACDF.
- Scar tissue formation cause nerve irritation.
As with any medical decision, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits against these potential risks with your surgeon.
Cost of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
The cost of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can vary based on several factors, such as:
- Location of hospital
- Cost of surgeon
- Anesthesia fees
- Facility surgery charge
Insurance generally covers ACDF surgery, but we advise that you call the insurance company beforehand to determine the exact insurance coverage.
Contact Us and Get the Best ACDF Treatment Today!
At Tristate Spine and Sports Surgery, Dr. Aron Rovner offers unparalleled expertise in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures.
We value patient care and emphasize minimally invasive technologies to foster quick recovery and long-term results. Should you be experiencing neck pain or associated issues, we suggest that you schedule a consultation. We can review medical history together, consider symptoms, and choose the most effective policy of treatment for spine health.
FAQs
What is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgery to provide relief of pain and compression caused by hernia on the intervertebral disc of the cervical vertebrae. The ruptured disc is removed from the front of the neck during surgery, and bone grafts are placed to help adjacent vertebrae fuse in order to stabilize better.
What can I expect after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery?
After ACDF surgery, most people experience early discomfort as swelling and pain at the site of the incision. The neck may swell and cause difficulty in swallowing temporarily, though this is usually enhanced after several days.
How long is recovery from anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?
ACDF surgery takes around 4-6 weeks to heal completely and during this period, the patient is allowed to resume normal routine at a slow pace. The complete recovery will however take a couple of months and it is important to follow instructions of the surgeon to ensure successful recovery.
How painful is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?
Although post-surgery pain following ACDF varies in patients, most patients experience tolerable pain that is controlled using pain medication. The pain is likely to get better after the first week with recovery improvement, but some minor pain can be experienced after a short period.
What is the difference between a spinal fusion and a discectomy?
Spinal fusion is an operation during which a permanent connection between two or more vertebrae is made to guarantee stability and avoid painful movements. Intervertebral disc ablation is a surgical procedure that aims at removing abnormal or protruding intervertebral boards to relieve the tension on the nerves, but not on the fixation of vertebrae.
What are the risks associated with ACDF surgery?
Similar to any surgery, ACDF can lead to the following possible risks: infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and anesthesia complication. These risks are not common but you need to discuss with the surgeon the option of sitting down to weigh the advantages of the surgery against your case.
Is ACDF the only option for treating cervical disc issues?
No, ACDF is one of the procedures for cervical intervertebral disc disorders. Physical therapy, medication to reduce pain and swelling, and cervical intervertebral replacement surgery are others. A proper evaluation by a spine expert will enable you to decide on the best treatment for you.
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If you need further assistance or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us at Tristate Spine and Sports Surgery. Your path to a pain-free life starts here!
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Why Choose Us?
With years of expertise in spine and sports surgery, Dr. Rovner and our team provide personalized, patient-centered care.
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Our offices are equipped with the latest technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.
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