Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

What is anterior cervical discectomy?

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves due to a herniated disc or bone spur in the neck after non-surgical treatments have failed.

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion may help relieve:

• Pain in the neck and/or arms
• Numbness or weakness in the arms, forearms or fingers
• Decreased coordination due to spinal cord compression

To perform the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the neck and removes part or all of the herniated disc along with any bone fragments that are compressing the nerves of the spine. The surgeon then places a bone graft between the two affected vertebrae to fuse and stabilize the spine.

A post-operative recovery plan will be developed to help guide your recover. Recovery time will depend on your body's healing and the type of work/activity that you plan to resume. Discuss questions about your recovery with your provider.