Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) takes out a herniated or worn disc in the neck and fills the space with a bone graft. Removing the disc can ease painful pressure on the spinal nerves.

Removing the Disc

You lie on your back and are given anesthesia. Through a small incision in the front of the neck, the surgeon gently moves the neck's structures aside to reach the spine, then carefully removes the damaged disc, leaving a gap between two vertebrae.

Placing the Graft

A bone graft is fitted into that gap. It fills the space and keeps the vertebrae properly positioned. A metal plate and screws may be added to hold the graft in place.

After Surgery

The incision is closed. As the spine heals, new bone forms and the graft becomes permanently joined to the vertebrae. This joining is called a fusion.

Questions about Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)? Call Dr. Auerbach’s office at (718) 518-5814 or send a message.

This information is for general education and does not replace advice from your doctor.

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