This surgery removes a herniated or degenerative vertebral disc in your neck and replaces it with a bone graft. This can relieve painful pressure on spinal nerves.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Overview
This surgery removes a herniated or degenerative vertebral disc in your neck and replaces it with a bone graft. This can relieve painful pressure on spinal nerves.
Preparation
While preparing for the procedure, you are asked to lie on your back, and afterwards, you get anesthetized. Then, a small incision is created by the surgeon on the front side of your neck. In order to create a path to your spine, the structures within your neck are carefully and gently moved to the side. The damaged disc is carefully removed, leaving a space between the vertebrae.
Graft Inserted
A bone graft is inserted into this space. The graft can either be made from a piece of bone taken from your hip or a donor. The graft fills the open space and holds the vertebrae in the right position. The surgeon may use a metal plate and screws to secure it.
End of Procedure
The incision is closed when the procedure is complete. New bone will grow as your spine heals. The graft will eventually become permanently attached to the vertebrae. This is also known as a "fusion."
