Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (also commonly referred to as ACDF surgery or neck fusion) is a neck surgery performed on one of the seven cervical vertebrae. Along the entire spinal column, each vertebra is separated by intervertebral discs. These discs are filled with a gel-like fluid that acts as a shock absorber between vertebrae and also helps to prevent vertebrae from rubbing against its neighbors.

Over time (and for other causes, as noted below), these discs can breakdown, become damaged, or wear away. The pain that follows this loss of cushioning ranges from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition. Once the discs are compromised, even regular daily activities like looking both ways at a four-way stop sign can be challenging.

​Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a procedure that removes what remains of the damaged disc and fuses at least two of the cervical vertebrae together to provide more stability and decrease (or eliminate pain).

To access the cervical vertebrae during the procedure, your doctor will make a small incision in the throat. This is a safer way to perform cervical fusion because operating in the back of the neck can damage neck muscles or the spinal column itself. Moving the neck tissue aside, your surgeon then removes the damaged disc.

​A replacement disc can be made of one of the following three materials:

1. Bone graft: This can be obtained from the patient (and autograft) or from a donated bone (allograft)

2. Bone substitute: This type of replacement disc is manufactured with bone shavings

3. Arthroplasty: This is a procedure that uses a completely artificial disc

​After the disc is placed, titanium screws and plates help keep the bones stable. Eventually the vertebrae will fuse to the replacement disc and this support will not be necessary.

​Because this is considered an invasive surgery, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion should only be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. This is not a first line treatment. Rather, this may be an option for you if other less invasive treatments and pain management techniques have not offered relief, or if your disc continues to deteriorate and impacts your overall quality of life.

As with all surgeries, there is a risk of complications. In the case of ACDF surgery, the primary risk is not the surgery itself but standard complications that arise from receiving general anesthesia. Respiratory problems can arise due to the anesthesia and a patient’s position during the procedure. This complication varies widely in conjunction with a patient’s overall health prior to surgery and underlying medical conditions.

​Other rare complications can include:

• Pain at the bone graft site

• Infection at the surgical site (or in tissues surrounding it)

• Vertebral infection

• Excessive bleeding

​There are two exceedingly rare complications that can be fatal if not promptly and effectively treated:

• Leakage of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

• Brain infection

​If you have concerns during your recovery, or experience signs of infection that include fever, swelling, increased pain, or a general feeling of malaise, give your surgeon a call.

The success rate of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for patients of all ages and in all conditions make this surgery an excellent option for neck pain where conservative treatments have failed.

​North Texas Neurosurgical Consultants has one of the top neurosurgeons in Texas. We’re based in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but welcome patients from all over Texas. Give us a call today to explore your options for a life without pain.