Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Care Before the Procedure
- Medical evaluation: Your surgeon will review your medical history, medications, allergies, and perform a neurological examination.
- Imaging tests: MRI, CT scan, or X-rays are required to identify the affected disc level and plan surgery.
- Medication adjustments: Blood-thinning medications may need to be stopped as advised by your doctor.
- Pre-surgery preparation: Arrange transportation and help at home after surgery, and avoid smoking, as it interferes with bone healing.
Care During the Procedure
- Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and pain-free.
- Surgical approach: A small incision is made at the front of the neck to access the spine safely.
- Disc removal and fusion:
- The damaged disc is removed, pressure on nerves is relieved, and a bone graft or spacer is placed to allow fusion.
- A small plate and screws may be used for stability.
- Duration: The surgery usually takes 1–3 hours, depending on the number of levels treated.
Care After the Procedure
- Hospital recovery: Most patients stay in the hospital overnight and are encouraged to walk on the same day or next day.
- Activity restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, twisting, and strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks. A cervical collar may be prescribed for support.
- Pain management and wound care: Mild pain or swallowing discomfort is common and managed with medications. Keep the incision clean and dry.
- Rehabilitation and follow-up: Physical therapy usually starts after 4–6 weeks. Follow-up visits and X-rays are scheduled to monitor healing and fusion, which typically completes in 3–6 months.
Eligibility
- Patients with persistent neck or arm pain from a damaged cervical disc
- Individuals with numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands
- People whose symptoms haven’t improved with medications or physical therapy
- Patients with spinal instability requiring correction
- Medical evaluation: Your surgeon will review your medical history, medications, allergies, and perform a neurological examination.
- Imaging tests: MRI, CT scan, or X-rays are required to identify the affected disc level and plan surgery.
- Medication adjustments: Blood-thinning medications may need to be stopped as advised by your doctor.
- Pre-surgery preparation: Arrange transportation and help at home after surgery, and avoid smoking, as it interferes with bone healing.
Featured Specialities
Our Speciality Services
Neuro Surgery
Neuro Surgery
Our Neuro Surgery Department cares for complex conditions of the brain, spine and nervous system in both adults and children, combining advanced surgical skill with thoughtful, patient-first care. Our experienced neurosurgeons work closely with neurologists, intensivists, radiologists and rehabilitation teams to decide the best treatment path—whether surgical or non-surgical—based on what is safest and most effective for each patient. We manage brain tumours, stroke and trauma emergencies, spine disorders, vascular conditions such as aneurysms and AVMs, epilepsy and nerve pain, using modern techniques including minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery to support faster recovery.
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