Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Spinal cord or nerve pressure can be painful and make it challenging to do the things you love. ACDF is a surgery performed from the front of the neck to provide pain and pressure relief and improve neck function.
Neck fusion surgery is one of Dr. Melikian’s core cervical spine procedures at our private medical practice in Southern California. We approach ACDF with compassion and care to help you find effective pain management treatments.
What Is Cervical Fusion Surgery?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion — also called neck fusion or cervical fusion — is a surgical procedure that removes intervertebral discs between affected bones and fuses the vertebrae. As a result, pressure is taken off the nerves and spinal cord, providing significant pain relief.
Bone spurs from arthritis and herniated discs put pressure on the nerves around the spinal cord. ACDF seeks to alleviate this pressure. This surgery can also help if you have progressive weakness after a spinal cord injury.
Who Needs Neck Fusion Surgery?
ACDF is an effective treatment for many conditions, including:
- Cervical disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Cervical myelopathy
- Foraminal stenosis
You may also be a candidate for ACDF if you experience the following symptoms, and nonsurgical treatment options haven’t worked:
- Severe neck pain
- Tingling and numbness in your fingers and hands
- Weakness in your arms and hands
- Pain going down your arms
- Balance and walking difficulties
What to Expect From Your ACDF Procedure
During ACDF surgery, your orthopedic spine surgeon will make a 1- to 2-inch incision in the front of your neck. The bone spurs and affected discs are removed, and the entire front of the vertebra may also be removed if needed.
Then, the surgeon will begin spinal fusion. Over time, two or more vertebrae will fuse to create one bone. A bone piece or hollow ring with crushed bone fills the gap where the removed discs were, and a metal plate and screws hold your bones in place to aid the fusion process.
While the surgery can take one to two hours, ACDF recovery can take six months to one year. Your post-op instructions will include:
- Getting rest
- Limiting physical activity
- Wearing a neck brace
- Going to physical therapy
ACDF vs. Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and cervical disc replacement are both types of cervical disc surgery that treat herniated discs and other cervical spine conditions. Understand their key differences to decide which is right for you:
- Surgery complexities: In cervical disc replacement, the artificial disc must be a specific size and precisely placed. ACDF is a less complicated surgery by comparison.
- Neck motion: Since ACDF fuses vertebrae, your neck may not be as flexible post-surgery. Disc replacement surgery preserves your spine’s motion.
- Bone grafting: ACDF requires a bone graft for the vertebrae to fuse. Disc replacement uses a prosthesis instead.
Why Choose Rojeh Melikian, M.D., for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?
Dr. Rojeh Melikian is an experienced spine surgeon trained in identifying and treating complex spinal disorders. When you choose our practice for ACDF, you’ll experience our:
- Customized surgical planning: Thoroughly plan your surgery with our medical team and get support at every step.
- Minimally invasive approach: Dr. Melikian is a fellowship-trained expert in minimally invasive cervical surgery. He specializes in this advanced surgical technique that improves patient outcomes.
- Comprehensive patient care: From consultation to post-op care, we ensure that our patients’ needs are met.
Schedule Your Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Consultation Today
Dr. Melikian is proud to serve and bring relief to patients with cervical spine conditions across Southern California. If you believe you’ll benefit from ACDF, schedule a video or phone consultation by calling 949-806-6946 or contacting us online. We can also provide a second opinion, so you can be informed about your treatment options.