What Is ACDF?
The spine protects thespinal cordand spinal nerves, which control movement and sensation.
Yourcervical spine, located in your neck, is the upper part of your spine.
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An ACDF is a complex spine procedure that may involve each of these structures.
It is done by a spine surgeon, who can be anorthopedic surgeonor aneurosurgeon.
The procedure is done undergeneral anesthesiaand involves several elements:
The bones heal together, resulting in permanent fusion.
The fusion may limit the range of motion of your neck.
Contraindications
Not everyone is a candidate for an ACDF.
Surgery is generally successful, usually resulting in an improvement in symptoms.
Adisc that’s impinging on these structuresmay need to be removed because it’s usually not repairable.
Symptoms can occur suddenly or may develop slowly over time.
you could also discuss the size and location of the surgical scar with your healthcare provider.
Additionally, you will need to have pre-operative testing for your general anesthesia planning.
Location
Your surgery will be done in a surgical operating room in a hospital or surgical center.
What to Wear
Wear something comfortable when you arrive for your surgery appointment.
You will need to wear a hospital gown during your procedure.
check that whatever you plan to wear home is loose around the neck.
Medications
Your healthcare provider will advise you regarding medication adjustments before your surgery.
You will need to have someone with you who can drive you home after your surgery.
You will go to a pre-operative area and change into a hospital gown.
You will meet with your surgeon and anesthesiologist.
Your surgeon may re-check your strength and sensation to see if there are any changes before your surgery.
Before the Surgery
Your anesthesia and surgical preparation will begin in the operating room.
You will have general anesthesia, so you won’t be able to feel anything.
You will be sleeping and unable to move during this surgery.
Anesthetic medication will be injected into your IV to make you sleepy and to paralyze your muscles.
You will be positioned so your surgeon can perform your surgery.
Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic.
As your surgeon gently cuts deeper, your windpipe and food tube will be carefully moved aside.
The front of your cervical spine will be located.
Your skin will be closed with sutures and your neck will be covered with bandages and gauze.
Once your ACDF surgery is complete and you are stable, you will go to the recovery area.
You will likely be groggy.
Your medical team will check on your pain and give you pain medications as needed.
Your healthcare provider will meet with you to discuss how the procedure went.
You will have a physical examination to check your sensation and your reflexes, as well as your strength.
You might be discharged on the same day of your procedure or stay in the hospital overnight.
Your healthcare provider may instruct you to wear a soft cervical collar or a neck brace.
Recovery
Recovery from ACDF surgery takes about six to eight weeks.
Most people benefit from gentle exercise after ACDF surgery; you will be permitted and encouraged to walk.
Starting a walking program can help you improve your endurance and fitness while getting back to your normal lifestyle.
Your physical therapy may begin within a few weeks of ACDF surgery.
Complications can lead to serious permanent issues, like loss of arm and/or leg function.
In some cases, the fusion site between the vertebrae doesn’t heal properly (pseudoarthrosis).
Surgery may need to be repeated.
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