How is an ACDF performed?
The video above shows how an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is performed. This is a major neck surgery that should be done by a Neurosurgeon who specializes in Spinal Surgery. It is extremely complex procedure that involves moving the neck muscles, esophagus, and trachea aside. After the disc is removed, bone graft is placed to fill the open disc space. To keep the disc in place, the surgeon uses metal plates and screws. Bone Graft then joints the vertebrae together forming a solid piece of bone after several months (usually 3 to 6 months)
Instructions For ACDF Recovery
Our Neurosurgeons perform Cervical Fusions in our Outpatient Surgery Center located in Tennessee. After your surgery, you will go into the postoperative recovery area where you will be monitored. The nurses will then attend to you making sure your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration is good.
There will be some discharge instructions from your nurse.
- Post-Operative Narcotic medications may be prescribed, but only for a week or two
- Sore Throat is normal, there may be some difficulty eating for the first week or two
Restrictions
- Aspirin, Advil, Ibuprofen (inflammatory drugs) should be avoided due to the ability for it to cause bleeding and interference with the healing process
- Avoid sitting down for long periods of time
- Do not lift heavy objects
- Try to avoid moving your head forward or backwards
Additional Information & Tips For ACDF Recovery
The nurse will then schedule a post operative appointment with your surgeon usually 4-6 weeks after your surgery. This is to check on the progress of your healing. The surgeon may also recommend you to wear a neck brace depending on the case. Physical Therapy is usually recommended in order for your neck to heal faster. A positive attitude is also important in order to regulate your stress and relax. ACDF surgeries are very effective in treating neck pain, over 80% of patients who undergo this procedure get neck pain relief.
Sore Throat
For the patients that have trouble swallowing their food due to the sore throat after the procedure
- Stock up foods that are easy to swallow such as yogurt, soup, and apple sauce
- Blend Meals – this is important because you will need to still maintain proper nutrition. Blending meat and vegetables together is a good way to maintain nutrition
- Protein Shakes – Blending meals may sometimes not go down well, it is good to mix it up with some protein shakes that taste better than blended foods. This should be done in-conjunction with blending meals.
