- Home
- Blog
- Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Overview of the Procedure and its Benefits Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat cervical stenosis and disc disease. During the procedure, the patient lies on their back with their neck in a natural position. ACDF is also successful in relieving arthritis-related symptoms in the neck. In this procedure, a surgeon will remove the problematic disc and any other tissue causing compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. The surgeon will then replace the removed tissue with a bone graft, creating a bridge between the remaining discs. The bone graft will fuse over time, forming a solid bridge. ACDF is a safe and effective procedure that can provide long-term relief from cervical pain and other symptoms associated with disc disease and stenosis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to see if ACDF is right for you.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: An Overview of the Procedure and its Benefits Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat cervical stenosis and disc disease. During the procedure, the patient lies on their back with their neck in a natural position. ACDF is also successful in relieving arthritis-related symptoms in the neck. In this procedure, a surgeon will remove the problematic disc and any other tissue causing compression of the nerve roots or spinal cord. The surgeon will then replace the removed tissue with a bone graft, creating a bridge between the remaining discs. The bone graft will fuse over time, forming a solid bridge. ACDF is a safe and effective procedure that can provide long-term relief from cervical pain and other symptoms associated with disc disease and stenosis. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to see if ACDF is right for you.
By:Ms. Wendy Wu
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: What You Need to Know
/>
Cervical stenosis and cervical disc disease are two common conditions that affect the neck and can cause severe pain and discomfort. For patients who have exhausted conservative treatments, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a commonly performed surgery that can provide much-needed relief.

What is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)?
ACDF is a surgical procedure that involves removing the problematic disc or vertebra in the neck and fusing the remaining vertebrae together. The procedure is typically performed through the front of the neck, which is why it’s known as an anterior approach.
Why is ACDF Performed?
ACDF is performed to treat cervical stenosis and cervical disc disease. Cervical stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Cervical disc disease is a condition where the discs in the neck degenerate and can herniate, causing pressure on the nerves.
Both of these conditions can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. In severe cases, they can also cause difficulty walking and loss of bowel or bladder control.
ACDF can alleviate these symptoms by removing the problematic disc or vertebra and fusing the remaining vertebrae together to create a stable structure.
How is ACDF Performed?
The patient is positioned on their back on the operating table with the neck kept in its usual position. An incision is made in the front of the neck, and the surgeon moves aside the muscles, blood vessels, and other tissues to provide access to the vertebrae.
The problematic disc or vertebra is then removed, and any bone spurs or arthritic growths are cleaned up. The remaining vertebrae are then fused together using cervical fusion instruments, such as plates, screws, rods, or cages.
Once the fusion is complete, the surgeon closes the incision and the patient is moved to the recovery room.
Recovery After ACDF
Recovery after ACDF typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the individual case. Patients are usually required to wear a neck brace for a few weeks to provide support and stability to the neck.
Physical therapy is often prescribed to help regain strength, mobility, and function in the neck and surrounding muscles. Patients are also advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks following surgery.
Common Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with ACDF. These can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
- Failure to relieve symptoms
- Loss of mobility or function in the neck
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you prior to surgery and work with you to minimize your risk.
Conclusion
ACDF is a common and effective surgical procedure for treating cervical stenosis and cervical disc disease. By removing the problematic disc or vertebra and fusing the remaining vertebrae together, ACDF can provide much-needed relief from painful and debilitating symptoms.
If you are experiencing neck pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling, talk to your doctor about whether ACDF may be right for you. With the help of an experienced neurosurgeon, you can get back to living a pain-free life.
/>
Cervical stenosis and cervical disc disease are two common conditions that affect the neck and can cause severe pain and discomfort. For patients who have exhausted conservative treatments, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a commonly performed surgery that can provide much-needed relief.

What is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)?
ACDF is a surgical procedure that involves removing the problematic disc or vertebra in the neck and fusing the remaining vertebrae together. The procedure is typically performed through the front of the neck, which is why it’s known as an anterior approach.
Why is ACDF Performed?
ACDF is performed to treat cervical stenosis and cervical disc disease. Cervical stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. Cervical disc disease is a condition where the discs in the neck degenerate and can herniate, causing pressure on the nerves.
Both of these conditions can cause pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. In severe cases, they can also cause difficulty walking and loss of bowel or bladder control.
ACDF can alleviate these symptoms by removing the problematic disc or vertebra and fusing the remaining vertebrae together to create a stable structure.
How is ACDF Performed?
The patient is positioned on their back on the operating table with the neck kept in its usual position. An incision is made in the front of the neck, and the surgeon moves aside the muscles, blood vessels, and other tissues to provide access to the vertebrae.
The problematic disc or vertebra is then removed, and any bone spurs or arthritic growths are cleaned up. The remaining vertebrae are then fused together using cervical fusion instruments, such as plates, screws, rods, or cages.
Once the fusion is complete, the surgeon closes the incision and the patient is moved to the recovery room.
Recovery After ACDF
Recovery after ACDF typically takes several weeks to months, depending on the individual case. Patients are usually required to wear a neck brace for a few weeks to provide support and stability to the neck.
Physical therapy is often prescribed to help regain strength, mobility, and function in the neck and surrounding muscles. Patients are also advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for several weeks following surgery.
Common Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, there are risks and complications associated with ACDF. These can include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
- Failure to relieve symptoms
- Loss of mobility or function in the neck
Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you prior to surgery and work with you to minimize your risk.
Conclusion
ACDF is a common and effective surgical procedure for treating cervical stenosis and cervical disc disease. By removing the problematic disc or vertebra and fusing the remaining vertebrae together, ACDF can provide much-needed relief from painful and debilitating symptoms.
If you are experiencing neck pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling, talk to your doctor about whether ACDF may be right for you. With the help of an experienced neurosurgeon, you can get back to living a pain-free life.