Anterior Cervical Discectomy 
(ACDF) & Fusion Surgery

With proper care, a herniated disc often heals, alleviating the neck pain, numbness, or weakness it caused. When a damaged disc does not respond to more conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, medication, or steroid injections — the ACDF procedure may be used to relieve persistent symptoms and restore stability to the cervical spine.

ACDF surgery can help alleviate pain and restore mobility for individuals with ongoing symptoms related to a damaged or herniated disc, including:

• Numbness or tingling in the arms or fingers
• Radiating pain in the neck, shoulder, or arm
• Muscle weakness in the hands, arms, or shoulders

ACDF Surgical Procedure: What to Expect

During anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, the surgeon removes a damaged disc in the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. The ACDF procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes about two hours. A breathing tube will be inserted to help you breathe during the surgery. This may cause a sore throat or difficulty swallowing for a few days following ACDF surgery.

The surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the neck, usually along a natural skin crease, to help limit scarring. This anterior approach allows the surgeon to reach the cervical spine without cutting through the muscles at the back of the neck. The surgeon removes the herniated disc or any other material impinging on the spinal cord or nerves. The empty disc space is then filled with a bone graft or implant to support spinal alignment and encourage the neighboring vertebrae to fuse. The surgeon may use a small plate and screws to stabilize the area during the healing process.

ACDF surgery is often described as “minimally invasive” because it uses a small incision and avoids cutting through major back muscles, but it is still a major spinal procedure. It’s less invasive than many other spinal surgeries, but it is neither “minor” nor low-risk. While most patients will not need to spend the night in the hospital, they must arrange to have someone drive them home after ACDF surgery. Some patients may require an overnight hospital stay.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy Recovery and Rehabilitation

Most patients recover well from their anterior cervical discectomy procedure at home. Avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks post-ACDF surgery. Your doctor will let you know when you can return to your normal activities. Walking and similar low-impact aerobic exercises are encouraged.

Avoid strenuous exercise, including contact sports, for at least three months. Follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to these activities. Depending on the physical demands of your job, plan to take four to six weeks off from work. This can also include jobs requiring long periods of sitting, which can cause neck pain during anterior cervical discectomy recovery.

Avoid heavy lifting, which includes tasks like carrying grocery bags or lifting children and pets. ACDF rehabilitation may involve wearing a neck brace and doing exercises recommended by your doctor to boost neck strength and range of motion.

Expect full recovery from ACDF surgery to take between six to 12 months for the complete solidification of the fused neck bone to occur.