RANDALL F. DRYER, M.D.
TOP RATED U.S. SPINE SURGEON
ACDF
Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF)
At the Central Texas Spine Institute, a spine clinic in Austin, our team specializes in the Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion (ACDF) procedure to provide effective treatment for cervical spine conditions. ACDF is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in the neck region caused by damaged discs or bone spurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cervical fusions are performed to treat cervical instability caused by tumors, infection, or trauma. When an intervertebral disc ruptures in the cervical spine, it puts pressure on one or more nerve roots (often called nerve root compression) or on the spinal cord, causing pain and other symptoms in the neck, arms, and even legs.
Diagnostic Tools
- Patient History
- Physical Exam
- X-Rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or CT Scan
- EMGs
Treatment Alternatives
- Medications
- Physical Therapy (exercises and stretching)
- Epidural Steroid Injections (ESIs)
- TENS Units
Purpose of Procedure
The primary purpose of this procedure is to stabilize the cervical spine by restoring the disc height with metal cages, a metal cervical plate, and fusing the vertebrae together using the patient’s own bone or a genetically engineered substance known as Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP).
Bone for Fusion
There are currently two primary alternative sources for the bone needed for the spinal fusion. Traditionally, some of the patient’s own bone has been harvested from the iliac crest (hip bone). This technique produces excellent results for the fusion.
Early in 2003, the FDA approved a genetically engineered bone substitute for use in spinal fusions. Under the brand name, InFUSE, BMP converts stem cells into bone-forming cells and stimulates rapid growth of bone at the targeted site. This orthopedic stem cell treatment eliminates the need for harvesting the patient’s own bone and speeds up the fusion process.
Who will be involved in the procedure?
Surgeon
The orthopedic surgeon who you have been seeing in our office will be the primary surgeon in charge of your surgery.
Assistant Surgeon
Another orthopedic surgeon, usually from our office, will assist your orthopedic surgeon with the procedure. This is done to minimize the length of time you are under general anesthesia and to provide the necessary assistance with the actual surgical procedure.
Anesthesiologist
The doctor who actually administers and monitors the anesthesia is a critical part of the surgical team. You will normally meet with the Anesthesiologist during your pre-op appointment at the hospital.
Hospital Stay
With most cervical spine surgeries, patients are up and walking within hours after their procedure, although the walking is very limited. It is no longer necessary or recommended that you lie in bed for days or weeks after surgery. Nurses who are experienced in working with spinal surgery patients will assist you during your first few efforts at getting out of bed and walking. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to shower after surgery.
Risks and Potential Complications
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Complications from anesthesia
- Continued pain
- Fusion may not occur (higher incidence of non-fusion in patients who smoke)
- Hardware (i.e. screws, plates or cages) may break or come loose
- Numbness
- Nerve damage
- Weakness
- Death
Return to Routine of Normal Daily Living
It normally takes approximately 3 to 6 months for the fusion to occur. During that time you should avoid strenuous activities that might affect the fusion process.
No Guarantees
No guarantees can be made as to the success of this procedure.
Who is a candidate for ACDF?
Candidates for ACDF typically experience symptoms such as neck pain, arm pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling due to conditions like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis in the cervical spine. We evaluate each patient's symptoms, medical history, and imaging studies to determine if ACDF is the right treatment option for them.
Why Choose Us
Our experienced spine surgeons at the Central Texas Spine Institute are dedicated to providing personalized care and utilizing the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients undergoing ACDF. We prioritize patient education, thorough pre-operative assessment, and comprehensive post-operative care to support each individual through every step of their recovery journey.
CALL TODAY
If you are suffering from cervical spine pain and seeking a solution that addresses the root cause of your symptoms, our team is here to help. Contact us at the Central Texas Spine Institute in Austin to schedule a consultation and explore how ACDF can restore your spinal health and quality of life.
Other Educational Resources
www.spine-health.com
www.spineuniverse.com
www.spine-surgery.com
Double click to download a printed version of ACDF FAQs
ABOUT US
One of the top spine surgeons in the country, Dr. Dryer is an active and recognized leader in the medical profession. Our CTSI professional staff is dedicated to providing our patients with attentive, personalized care.
OUR SERVICES
Utilizing the newest techniques and technologies available to resolve the challenges of back and neck pain, CTSI offers state-of-the-art personalized care. We are Texas' leading back specialists.
