Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

ACDF can treat:

1. Herniated Discs: When the inner gel-like core of a disc bulges out through a tear in the outer layer, it can compress nearby nerves or the spinal cord.
2. Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to pain, instability, and nerve compression (a pinched nerve).
3. Cervical Radiculopathy: Compression of the nerve roots in the cervical spine can cause pain, weakness, or numbness radiating down the arms.
4. Cervical Myelopathy: Compression of the spinal cord can lead to more serious symptoms, including difficulties with coordination, balance, and bowel or bladder function.
5. Cervical Spine Fractures: Spinal fractures can cause pain and instability in the cervical spine.
6. Spinal infections or spinal tumors such as osteosarcomas or metastatic bone disease can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
7. Cervical Arthritis: Arthritis that causes bone spurs to develop and compress the spinal nerves or the cord.

ACDF surgery is performed through the front of the neck (anterior). This allows minimally invasive spine surgeon Dr. Mathew Cyriac to access the cervical spine without disturbing the spinal cord, muscles, and nerves. Then, he performs a discectomy, where the damaged disc causing pain and other symptoms is removed to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. He will also remove bone spurs, herniated disc fragments, cartilage, and calcified disc fragments, all minimally invasively.

After the disc and fragments are removed, the space between the vertebrae is filled with a bone graft or a synthetic spacer. The graft promotes bone growth, leading to the fusion of the adjacent vertebrae over time. Metal plates and screws may be used to provide stability while the fusion occurs. Bone eventually grows, joining the vertebrae together.

• Pain relief: One of the primary benefits of ACDF is the significant reduction or complete elimination of neck and arm pain caused by compressed nerves. Removing the damaged disc alleviates the pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
• Improved function: Patients often experience improvements in their ability to perform daily activities. Relief from pain and stabilization of the cervical spine enhance overall functionality and quality of life.
• Neurological improvements: Resolution of neurological deficits such as numbness, weakness, and tingling in the arms and hands.
• Stabilization of the Spine: The fusion process provides long-term stability to the cervical spine. This stabilization helps prevent future disc herniations or degenerative changes at the operated level.
• High Success Rate: ACDF has a high success rate of 85% to 95%. Many patients experience substantial and long-lasting relief from their symptoms. The procedure is well-established and refined over decades, leading to predictable and reliable outcomes.
• Minimally Invasive Approach: The anterior approach to the cervical spine allows surgeons to avoid major muscles and the spinal cord, leading to less postoperative pain and quicker recovery than posterior approaches.
• Quick Recovery Time: Most patients can return to normal activities relatively quickly, with many resuming light activities within a few weeks and full activities within a few months.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a well-established minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating certain cervical spine conditions. It is indicated when conservative treatments fail to alleviate symptoms or when neurological deficits are present. Recovery involves a combination of rest, physical therapy, and a gradual return to normal activities, with most patients experiencing significant relief from their preoperative symptoms.