Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)

During an ACDF procedure, your surgeon will make an incision on the front of the neck in order to reach the spine. Once necessary tissues have been safely moved out of the way, surgical instruments are used to remove the disc material and/or bone spurs that may be putting pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves.

Once the disc is removed, the space between the spinal bones (vertebrae) is filled with either a piece of donor bone or an implant made of metal or plastic and filled with natural bone material.

Your surgeon may then place a stabilization device such as a metal plate with screws to help hold the vertebrae together until spinal fusion occurs.^*

In general, surgical treatment options presented by your surgeon are aimed at relieving pressure on nerve roots in an attempt to address pain.

^* The placement of these implants is intended to assist in a healing process called spinal fusion. If successful, spinal fusion will typically take place in the weeks and months following surgery, and can be assessed by your surgeon on imaging studies (e.g. x-rays) taken during follow up visits.