Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion

Arm pain that shoots down from your neck can make you feel helpless, especially when conservative treatments keep failing to provide relief. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion removes the damaged disc that causes your symptoms through the front of your neck. The orthopedic surgeons at Anchor Spine & Joint in Tampa, Riverview, Odessa, Pinellas Park, and Lutz, Florida, use a direct approach, offering patients lasting relief from persistent neck and arm pain. Call your nearest office or schedule online to determine if this treatment is good for you.

What is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? 

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) removes a damaged disc from your neck and permanently joins the surrounding vertebrae together. Your surgeon approaches the spine from the front of your neck, giving direct access to the problem disc without disturbing your spinal cord or back muscles. 

After removing the disc, your provider places bone graft material and metal hardware to maintain proper spacing while the vertebrae fuse over time.

Who benefits from anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? 

This surgery helps when disc problems in your neck cause arm pain and other symptoms that don’t improve. You might need ACDF if you have:

• Sharp pain that travels from your neck down into your arms
• Numbness or tingling in your hands and fingers
• Arm weakness that makes everyday tasks difficult
• Herniated discs pressing on nerve roots
• Bone spurs from arthritis that pinch nerves
• Degenerative disc disease 

Your provider usually suggests ACDF when physical therapy, medications, and injections haven’t given you lasting relief.

What happens during anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? 

The surgery typically takes about an hour for a single-level procedure. Your surgeon makes a small incision in the front of your neck and carefully moves your throat muscles aside to reach the damaged disc. 

After removing the disc material that’s pressing on your nerves, they place bone graft material in the space and secure everything with a metal plate and screws.

What is recovery like after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? 

Most people go home after a night or two in the hospital. Some throat soreness and mild trouble swallowing for the first few days is normal. You can usually return to desk work within a couple of weeks, but jobs that require heavy lifting may require 4-6 weeks off.

You can manage light activities immediately, but avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. The bones take several months to completely fuse, though many people notice their arm pain improves almost immediately after surgery.

ACDF works well for most people and can help you get back to activities you’ve been avoiding because of pain. If neck and arm symptoms are controlling your life, contact Anchor Spine & Joint to learn if this procedure can help you find relief.