Treatment Overview
Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure designed to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure in the cervical spine. It involves the removal of a damaged disc through an incision in the front of the neck (anterior approach) and the fusion of adjacent vertebrae to maintain spinal stability.
Causes
This procedure is typically recommended for patients suffering from cervical disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, or cervical radiculopathy, where conservative treatments have failed to provide relief.
Procedure Details
During ACDF, the surgeon removes the problematic disc and replaces it with a bone graft or synthetic material. This graft encourages the vertebrae to fuse together over time. A metal plate and screws may be used to stabilize the spine and ensure proper fusion.
Benefits
The primary benefits of ACDF include pain relief, improved neck mobility, and the prevention of further nerve damage. By stabilizing the spine, this procedure also helps to restore normal function and quality of life.
Medical Terms
- Disc Herniation: A condition where the inner gel of a spinal disc pushes out, compressing nearby nerves.
- Radiculopathy: Pain and neurological symptoms caused by nerve root compression.
- Fusion: The process of joining two or more vertebrae into a single solid bone.