Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion
What are Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Surgery?
ACDF is considered for patients with intractable neck pain and/or arm pain from a prolapsed disc or cervical degenerative disc disease. Herniated disc material or bony spurs (osteophytes) cause pain by exerting pressure on the nerves and spinal cord. ACDF may also be indicated after neck injuries (fractures, dislocations) resulting in cervical spine instability.
The procedure is carried out from the front of the neck to help relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. In addition, the surgery is done to stabilise the spine further. Together with adjacent bone, the intervertebral disc is removed to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves. As a result, the spine is aligned better this way. Generally, spinal surgery is carried out to treat degenerative spine disease, spinal instability, spinal tumours, and spine trauma.
Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Anterior Cervical Fusion Surgery
http://www.spine-health.com/video/anterior-cervical-discectomy-and-fusion-acdf-video
Decompression means freeing the nerves and spinal cord from impinging disc material, hypertrophied bone and ligaments. Anterior Cervical Decompression is performed on the cervical spine with anterior surgery (from the front of the neck). Dr Szabo uses an operating microscope which allows for ample light and magnification for a complete decompression.
The purpose of the fusion is to restore the collapsed intervertebral space to the original height and stabilise the segment. A bone block (graft) or implant (cage) is placed in between the vertebral bodies to cause them to fuse together. A small titanium plate is often placed on the two vertebrae to provide further stability.
The procedure carries minimal risk of bleeding, and the meticulous surgical technique provides rapid recovery and an excellent cosmetic outcome.
Recovery Time
One level of cervical decompression and fusion takes about three hours. The patients require two to three nights of hospital stay. An initial two weeks of rest and relaxation are needed to ensure proper healing and adequate pain relief. Postoperative rehabilitation starts on the third week after surgery with a course of physical therapy and a stretch exercise regimen. Most patients are able to resume their routine activities by four weeks after the surgery.
http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/back-surgery/acdf-anterior-cervical-discectomy-and-fusion
FAQ
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Bone spurs (osteophytes)
- Spinal arthritis (spondylosis)