Overview
ACDF is a common neck surgery. Through a small incision in the front of the neck, the surgeon removes a damaged disc and any bone spurs pressing on the spinal cord or nerve roots, then places a spacer (cage or bone graft) and usually a small plate so the level heals into a solid fusion.
It is used for cervical radiculopathy (arm pain from a pinched nerve) and cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression).
Watch and learn
Video: “Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Surgery: Procedure, Risks & Recovery | DePuy Synthes” from DePuy Synthes on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) - Patient Animation” from Globus Medical on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Captions: press the CC button in the video player to turn on captions. Some captions are generated automatically by YouTube and may contain errors.
Who may be a candidate
- Arm pain, numbness or weakness from a pinched nerve that has not improved
- Signs of spinal cord compression
- One or more levels of disc herniation or spondylosis on MRI
Your exam, imaging and overall health decide whether this surgery is appropriate for you.
How it is done
- General anesthesia; you lie on your back.
- A small horizontal incision is made in a skin crease at the front of the neck.
- Neck structures are gently moved aside to reach the spine.
- The disc and bone spurs are removed to free the cord and nerves.
- A spacer is placed and a plate may be added; over months the bones fuse.
This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis. Procedures that are appropriate for outpatient care may be performed at GSMC’s surgery center; others are done in a hospital. Your surgeon will explain where your procedure would take place.
Recovery timeline
Sore throat and trouble swallowing for a short time are common. Many go home the same or next day.
Light activity; a collar may be used briefly. Return to desk work for many people.
Fusion continues to solidify; gradual return to full activity.
Recovery depends on the procedure, your health and how many levels are treated. Your surgeon will give you a written plan.
Risks
Every surgery has risks. Your surgeon will review them with you, including:
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness
- Infection or bleeding
- Nerve or spinal cord injury (rare)
- Nonunion (fusion does not heal)
- Adjacent segment degeneration over time
Alternatives to consider
- Cervical Disc Replacement
- Laminotomy / Foraminotomy
- Epidural Steroid Injection
- Physical therapy (what to expect)
See all nonsurgical options, or ask for a second opinion.
Who performs it
Call 732-202-3000 to confirm which surgeon performs this procedure and where.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose neck motion?
Fusing one level usually has only a small effect on overall neck motion; multiple levels have more effect.
Do I need a collar?
Some surgeons use a soft collar briefly; your surgeon will advise.
ACDF or disc replacement?
Disc replacement preserves motion and may suit some patients; your surgeon will discuss which fits your anatomy and condition.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary. No outcome can be promised.