Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)

An anterior cervical discectomy is an operation that is performed on the neck in order to relieve pressure on one or more nerve roots, or on the spinal cord.

The cervical spine is reached through a small incision in the front of the neck. The surgeon will make a horizontal incision that is hidden in a crease of the skin. After the soft tissues of the neck are separated, the intervertebral disc and bone spurs are removed.

The space left between the vertebrae is filled with a small piece of bone or a synthetic cage. Occasionally it may be necessary to add a metal plate with screws to the front of the vertebrae.

In time, the vertebrae will fuse or join together – this is a cervical spinal fusion.