ACDF removes a herniated or degenerated cervical disc through the front of the neck and fuses the adjacent vertebrae to relieve arm pain, numbness, and weakness from cervical nerve compression.
Recommended for patients with cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy from disc herniation or stenosis that has not improved with conservative management including physical therapy and injections.
Performed under general anesthesia through a small incision in the front of the neck, typically taking 1 to 2 hours per level. The disc is removed and replaced with a graft or cage. A plate may be used for additional stability.
Risks include adjacent segment disease, hardware failure, infection, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, nerve injury, and incomplete relief.
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