What is an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)?
Intervertebral discs are the disc-like structures between each vertebra in the spine and act as a cushion between the bones. These discs can degenerate with aging causing compression of the spinal cord or the nerve roots.
An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or ACDF is a spinal surgery that removes an intervertebral disc that has herniated or as severely degenerated (worn down). Once the disc is removed, a bone graft is inserted and acts as a bridge between two spinal vertebrae and is then fused or held into place with metal screws and plates. The combination of vertebra and bone graft heal into one bigger immobile piece of bone.
This is potentially beneficial because the surgery effectively takes pressure off of the spinal cord and nerve roots, thus patients may experience improvements in their pain and function over time with this surgery.
Dr. Brenton Pennicooke, fellowship-trained spinal neurosurgeon who treats patients in Saint Louis, Creve Coeur, and surrounding cities in St. Louis County, Missouri that may need an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion due to a herniated disc in the neck or upper spine.
What is ACDF used to treat?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is commonly used to treat the compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. When a disc herniates out of place, it can compress nerves around the spinal cord leading to pain, weakness, numbness in the fingers or extremities, or other symptoms.
An ACDF procedure will remove the pressure placed on the spinal cord or nerves, potentially alleviating a patient’s symptoms.
Who can be treated with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?
A patient may be a candidate for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion if they have an MRI showing compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots and are experiencing pain, weakness in the arms or hands, worsening balance issues while walking, or loss of coordination in the arms or hands.
Patients experiencing similar symptoms as a result of degenerative disc disease may also be candidates for this procedure if they are experiencing consistent neck, shoulder, arm, or hand pain for 6 or more weeks, which is not alleviated after non-surgical pain management methods such as physical therapy or steroid injections.
There are certain patients for who Dr. Brenton Pennicooke can offer a non-fusion/disc replacement procedure to decompress the spinal cord or nerve roots called a cervical disc arthropathy. He will discuss the pros and cons of both approaches during your consultation with him.
How is ACDF done?
While performing an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, Dr. Pennicooke will first make an incision to the front (anterior) of the neck. He will move the muscles, esophagus, trachea, and other structures to the side in order to gain access to the spinal column. Dr. Pennicooke will then remove the damaged disc and decompress the spinal cord and nerve roots. He then places a titanium cage, an effective bone graft agent, and the patient’s own bone into the space where the disc was removed. Metal screws and plates are then screwed into the spinal vertebrae to provide additional support and stability for the bone graft and facilitate fusion of the bones
How long does it take to recover from anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery?
Most patients will be able to stand and walk beginning a few hours after surgery. After a 1-level ACDF most of Dr. Pennicooke’s patients leave the same day. After a 2-level or 3-level ACDF most patients spend 1 night in the hospital.
Some patients will be required to wear a neck brace for approximately 6 weeks after surgery. Patients should not drive or lift objects heavier than 5 pounds for approximately 6 weeks after surgery.
Dr. Pennicooke prescribes physical therapy to start immediately after your follow-up appointment with him 6-weeks after your surgery. Most patients who do not have a physically demanding occupation are able to return to work 3 to 6 weeks after the operation. Most patients who do have a physically demanding occupation return to work within 6 to 8 weeks after the operation.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgeon
Do you have an MRI that shows compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots and are you experiencing pain, weakness in the arms or hands, worsening balance issues while walking? If so, you may need a cervical spine treatment called an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). Cervical spine surgeon, Doctor Brenton Pennicooke, provides diagnosis as well as surgical treatment options for patients in Saint Louis, Creve Coeur, and surrounding cities in St. Louis County, Missouri. who are in need of an ACDF. Contact Dr. Pennicooke’s team today!
