Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Introduction to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, abbreviated as ACDF is a surgical procedure employed in the removal of damaged bone spurs or disks in the neck. This article will discuss this procedure in detail, including the rate of success recorded with it, and why many clinicians use it, and the aftercare procedures.

The success rate of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

The rate of success recorded with ACDF is quite high. Studies have shown that at least 93 to 100% of patients who opt for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion have had tremendous pain relief especially from arm pain. Another study has shown that between 73% and 83% of neck pain patients have experienced relief with ACDF.

Procedure for the ADCF surgery

The first step taken in the procedure is the induction of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will cause the patient to get into a state of unconsciousness using general anesthesia. It is important that the patient consults his or her surgeon on the possible complications prior to the surgery. Such complications may include infections or blood clots.

The entire procedure usually lasts between 1-4 hours. However. This varies, determined mainly by the severity of the condition, and how many disks will be extracted.

After carrying out the anesthesia, your surgeon will then take the following steps to do the surgery:

  • A little cut will be made at the front region of the neck
  • Your vertebrae will then be examined by moving aside the trachea, esophagus, and blood vessels.
  • The affected vertebrae will then be identified. The same goes for affected nerves or disks. X-rays of the affected area will be taken for record purposes and to assist in treatment.
  • Damaged disks and bone spurs will be extracted using surgical tools. This procedure is referred to as discectomy.
  • In the event that a void is left behind after the extraction, the surgeon will fill it up by using an autograft (taking a piece of bone from another part of your neck), or an allograft (a piece of bone from a donor). The void may also be filled using a synthetic compound. This procedure is referred to as bone graft fusion.
  • Titanium-based plates and screws will be attached to the two vertebrae surrounding the area where the discectomy was done.
  • The esophagus, vascular tissues (blood vessels) and trachea will be tucked into their normal location.
  • Stitches are then used to seal the cut on the neck.

What are the reasons for carrying out the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?

The anterior cervical discectomy and fusion procedure is important for the following reasons:

  • Extraction of an injured or worn-out disk from the spine.
  • Sometimes, the nerves may be pinched by some bone spurs. In such cases, the patient may feel numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. This mandates the removal of the bone spurs. Using anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to treat this compression can heal the weakness or numbness.
  • The ACDF procedure is also used to treat slipped disk, otherwise known as herniated disk. A slipped disk occurs when a soft substance within the middle part of a disk extruded through the stronger parts on the external edges of a disk.

Preparing for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

You should try doing the following in the weeks leading to the surgery:

  • Book appointments with your surgeon for electrocardiogram, X-rays, and blood tests. Endeavor to attend all appointments.
  • Do not fail to share your medical history with your physician. This is important as he will know the best treatment plan for you. You should also append your signature to a consent form prior to sharing the information.
  • If you are on any supplements or medications, do not fail to inform your doctor.
  • Smoking prior to the procedure should be avoided. You may want to quit this habit at least 6 months to the surgery. The reason for this is that smoking can impeded the healing process.
  • Drinking alcohol prior to the procedure is not permitted. It has adverse effects.
  • Avoid blood thinners and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at least a week prior to the procedure.
  • Get a medical leave from your workplace so you can attend the surgery and recover.

Recovering from the ACDF procedure

Driving is possible within a week or two after the surgery. Some patients may need up to a month to recover fully from the procedure. This however depends on factors such as health status and age.

Most patients may begin a physical therapy after a follow-up with the surgeon. The goal is to minimize the intensity of pain, while allowing the area to regain mobility. Recovery varies in patients. While some may experience full recovery, others may suffer some form of stiffness.

Recovery is facilitated by an active lifestyle characterized by frequent exercise. Before you engage in any form of exercise, it is important that you get the consent of your surgeon. Some persons may need to refrain from strenuous exercises as this can cause injuries to the neck.

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