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.*
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A more in depth look at the individual steps of this procedure as well as tips for preparing for and recovering from an ACDF.
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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SPINE SURGERY
Some of the images on this website depict Stryker’s products. Please speak to your doctor if you have questions about these products or anything else in this website.
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Stryker is not dispensing medical advice. Please speak to your doctor to decide if spinal surgery is right for you. Only your doctor can make the medical judgment regarding which products and treatments are right for your own individual condition.
As with any surgery, spinal surgery carries certain risks. Your surgeon will explain all the possible complications of the surgery, as well as side effects. Each spinal surgery patient will experience a different post-operative activity level, depending on his/her own individual clinical factors. Your doctor will help counsel about how to best maintain your activities in order to recover properly from your surgery. Such activities include not engaging in high-impact activities that could de-stabilize any instrumentation that may have been implanted.
Stryker Corporation or its divisions or other corporate affiliated entities own, use or have applied for the following trademarks or service marks: Stryker. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners or holders.
Ask your doctor if spine surgery is right for you.
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