If you’ve been having neck pain and your doctor has recommended anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), you likely have many questions – including, “Is ACDF considered major surgery?”
ACDF is considered a major surgery due to the complexity of the procedure and the section of the spine in the neck (also called the cervical spine) being a delicate area. However, it’s also a safe and effective surgical option for treating cervical spine disk conditions. With the right surgical team, you can ease your mind about the procedure ahead.
When is ACDF recommended?
ACDF is recommended after nonsurgical treatments fail to alleviate symptoms associated with a bulging disk or bone spurs in the neck. These nonsurgical treatments may include:
- Physical therapy
- Heat and ice therapy
- Medications
- Steroid injections
Some of the symptoms of a bulging disk or bone spurs in the neck include pain, numbness, weakness or tingling that radiate down your arms into your hands and fingers. You may also experience balance and walking issues.
What is involved in ACDF?
ACDF is a procedure to treat conditions of the cervical spine. During the surgery, you are placed under general anesthesia and the surgeon operates through a one to two-inch incision on the front of your neck to remove the disk that’s causing your symptoms.
Your surgeon will then begin the process of fusing the bones in your neck. Over time, two or more of the vertebrae in your neck will grow together to form one larger bone. In the space where your disk was, your surgeon will fill the area with a piece or pieces of bone. Then they will place a metal plate and screws to hold the vertebrae together while the bones fuse, or grow, together.
What does recovery from ACDF look like?
Immediately after the surgery, you may be able to go home the same day or in the few days following the surgery. Once you’re home, you can participate in your regular daily activities, but you should avoid any strenuous activity or exercise for at least six weeks. Your care team will provide guidance on specific activities to avoid. They will also determine when is the best time to return to work or school, but usually you can return to your job in three to six weeks.
It’s important to give your body adequate rest to allow your vertebrae to fully fuse, which can take anywhere from six months to a year. After surgery and recovery, you should notice a significant reduction in your pain.
Choosing the right care team
Finding out you need surgery can be scary, especially surgery on your neck and spine. Choosing the right surgeon and care team can alleviate your concerns and give you more confidence as you approach the procedure. The surgeons at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Neurosurgerybring years of experience and high-quality care each day. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, visit ngpg.org/spine.