ACDF Surgery in Plano, TX
Specialties
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery in Plano, TX
Struggling with neck pain, arm weakness, or nerve pain that just won’t go away? ACDF surgery may be the answer. At Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we help patients across North Texas find long-lasting pain relief through anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), a proven spinal surgery that removes damaged discs and relieves pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
As an experienced orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Stephen P. Courtney uses this minimally invasive procedure to treat herniated or degenerative discs, nerve compression, and other cervical spine conditions.
If nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy or pain medications haven’t worked, ACDF surgery can relieve pain, restore function, and help you feel like yourself again. Call (972) 499-5457 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
What is ACDF Surgery?
If your doctor has advised you that you need ACDF surgery, you may be wondering what that entails and how it can benefit you. ACDF stands for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, a common spinal surgery that treats cervical spine conditions like herniated discs, bone spurs, or degenerative disc disease. This procedure helps relieve pain, numbness, and weakness caused by compressed nerves in the neck. Many patients with ongoing neck pain, arm pain, or nerve pain find that ACDF surgery provides lasting relief when other treatments haven’t helped.
C3-C7 Spinal Fusion Surgery
C3-C7 spinal fusion surgery is a type of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) that treats problems in the middle and lower parts of the cervical spine.
During this surgical procedure, the orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the neck (the throat area) to access the damaged disc. The damaged or herniated disc is carefully removed to take pressure off the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
A spacer bone graft, either from a bone bank or using donor bone, is then placed in the disc space to help with bone growth and provide stability. Metal plates and screws are used to support the cervical fusion as the body heals. Most patients can go home the same day and start physical therapy shortly after to support wound healing and rapid recovery.
What Medical Conditions Does ACDF Surgery Treat?
ACDF surgery is used to treat several cervical spine conditions that cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the neck, arms, or shoulders. These problems often happen when a damaged disc or bone spur puts pressure on the spinal cord or spinal nerves. If nonsurgical treatment like physical therapy, pain medications, or rest hasn’t worked, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion may help relieve pain and restore movement.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy happens when a nerve in the neck becomes irritated or pinched. This can lead to neck pain, arm pain, tingling, or arm weakness. The most common causes include a herniated or degenerative disc or bone spurs pressing on the nerve roots.
ACDF surgery treats this condition by removing the damaged disc and relieving pressure on the pinched nerves. The spinal fusion then helps provide stability and prevents further irritation at the affected spinal level.
Cervical Disc Herniation
A cervical disc herniation occurs when one of the discs between the vertebrae in the neck slips or ruptures, causing the disc material to press on nearby nerves or the spinal cord. This can lead to nerve pain, leg pain, or arm pain, depending on the location of the disc herniation.
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion removes the herniated disc and replaces it with a spacer bone graft to relieve pain and protect the spinal cord. Over time, bone-growing cells help form a solid fusion, giving the cervical spine the support it needs.
Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis, also known as arthritis of the neck, is caused by age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints. It can lead to bone spurs, degenerative disc disease, and nerve compression, resulting in persistent pain and stiffness.
The ACDF procedure treats cervical spondylosis by removing damaged tissue, decompressing the spinal nerves, and fusing vertebrae to provide long-term stability. Many patients experience significant pain relief and improved movement after this type of spine surgery.
Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy happens when the spinal cord becomes compressed due to injury, a herniated disc, bone spurs, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Symptoms can include difficulty walking, poor balance, numbness in the hands, and even problems with bladder or bowel control. The condition typically gets worse over time and may not respond well to nonsurgical treatment.
ACDF surgery removes pressure from the spinal cord and supports the spine with a spacer bone graft and metal plates. This procedure can prevent further nerve damage and help restore function.
How to Prepare for ACDF Surgery at Advanced Spine Center
When preparing for ACDF surgery, it’s essential to follow your surgical team’s instructions carefully so your body heals properly.
Before the procedure, most patients are asked to stop taking blood thinners to lower the risk of blood clots and review all current medications with the orthopedic surgeon. Because nicotine prevents bone growth, quitting smoking or vaping before spinal fusion is strongly recommended to help bone graft healing.
What Happens During ACDF Surgery?
During ACDF surgery, the orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision in the throat area to reach the cervical spine. The damaged disc is removed to take pressure off the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Then, a spacer bone graft is placed in the empty disc space to keep the bones in the correct position and help new bone grow. Metal plates and screws are added to hold everything in place while your body heals. Over time, the bones fuse, which helps stabilize the spine and relieve pain.
ACDF Surgery Recovery
Recovery after ACDF surgery is different for each patient, but most people notice pain relief soon after the procedure. It’s normal to have some postoperative pain, a sore throat, or difficulty swallowing in the first few days due to the incision near the throat area. A neck brace or cervical collar may be recommended to support the neck and help the spinal fusion heal.
Our surgical team will provide instructions on activity restrictions, wound healing, and follow-up appointments. Physical therapy may also be part of your recovery plan to rebuild strength and improve movement in the neck and shoulders.
How to Sleep After ACDF Surgery
Knowing how to sleep after cervical neck surgery can make a big difference in your recovery. Quality sleep helps reduce nerve pain, supports blood circulation, and gives your body time to heal.
Most patients sleep best on their back with the head slightly raised using a wedge pillow or stacked pillows, which takes pressure off the cervical spine and surgical site. Sleeping on your stomach should be avoided, as it can strain the neck muscles and slow bone growth.
If you have persistent pain or difficulty breathing when lying down, contact the surgical team at Advanced Spine Center.
Additional Cervical Spine Treatments We Offer in Plano, TX
At Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, we offer more than just ACDF surgery to treat cervical spine conditions. Depending on your symptoms, the location of the damaged disc, and your overall health, other surgical options may provide effective pain relief and long-term stability.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement surgery is an alternative to ACDF for patients with a herniated disc or degenerative disc disease who still have good disc height and no significant bone damage. Instead of using a bone graft and metal plates to create a spinal fusion, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc. This surgical procedure allows for more natural neck movement while still relieving pressure on the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
Posterior Cervical Fusion
Posterior cervical fusion surgery is beneficial for patients with more advanced cervical spine conditions that affect multiple spinal levels or cause instability. It’s often recommended for those with spinal cord compression, severe degenerative disc disease, or a history of failed prior spine surgery. Unlike anterior cervical discectomy fusion, this procedure is done from the back of the neck and involves placing bone grafts and screws to help fuse the spine.
ACDF Surgery FAQs
Is ACDF Surgery Considered a Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Yes, ACDF surgery is considered a minimally invasive procedure because it uses a small incision in the front of the neck to access the cervical spine with less damage to surrounding tissue.
How Long Does It Take for Nerves to Heal After ACDF Surgery?
Nerves can take several weeks to months to fully heal after ACDF surgery, depending on how long the nerve was compressed before the procedure.
What is the Life Expectancy After ACDF Surgery?
Most patients return to normal life after ACDF surgery, and the procedure does not shorten life expectancy when recovery goes well.
Is Arm Pain Normal After ACDF Surgery?
Some arm pain or tingling is normal during the early stages of recovery, but most patients notice improvement in arm pain as the spinal nerves begin to heal.
Are There Any Permanent Restrictions After ACDF Surgery?
While most patients return to their regular activities, your spine surgeon may advise against heavy lifting or participating in high-impact sports in the long term to protect the spinal fusion.
Call Advanced Spine Center for ACDF Surgery in Plano, TX
If you’re experiencing neck pain, arm weakness, or nerve pain due to a damaged disc, the team at Advanced Spine Center in Plano, TX, is here to help. Our experienced spine surgeon, Dr. Stephen P. Courtney, offers ACDF surgery and other cervical spine treatments to relieve pain, remove pressure from compressed nerves, and help you get back to your normal life. Whether you need anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, cervical disc replacement, or spinal fusion surgery, we’ll create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Don’t wait to find pain relief. Call (972) 499-5457 or contact us online to request an appointment today.
