How serious is ACDF surgery?
For an ACDF surgery, the main potential risks and complications that tend to occur include: Damage to the trachea/esophagus. Hematoma or seroma causing airway compromise. By far the most common complication following surgery is difficulty with swallowing, medically known as dysphagia.
What are the surgical levels of ACDF?
For a 1 level ACDF, typical surgery time is 1.5 hours, for a 2 level ACDF, surgery time is 2-2.5 hours, and for a 3 level ACDF, surgery typically lasts around 2.5-3.0 hours. After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where your blood pressure, temperature, pulse and respiration will be checked frequently.
How should I manage pain after ACDF surgery?
Top 4 Things to Know
- Pain in the back of the neck and between the shoulder blades is common after ACDF surgery. ...
- Do not use nicotine for at least three months. ...
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for six to 12 weeks or until your surgeon tells you it’s safe to use them. ...
- In some cases you do not need a collar after surgery. ...
What kind of graft to use for ACDF surgery?
bone grafts during ACDF is the use of cages that are often filled with morselized autologous bone from the surrounding area supplemented with bone graft substitutes (such as crushed allograft, demineralized bone matrix, or synthetics such as calcium phosphate and/or hydroxyapatite). The purpose of cages is to support the segment while bony fusion is promoted
Is ACDF considered major surgery?
ACDF surgery is a major procedure, and you will need to take it easy during your recovery. However, if you are unable to do daily activities within 4-6 weeks of your appointment, you should see your surgeon right away. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Is ACDF surgery high risk?
Ambulatory anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is associated with a higher risk of revision surgery and perioperative complications: an analysis of a large nationwide database. Spine J. 2018 Jul;18(7):1180-1187.
How many years does ACDF surgery last?
Conclusion: ACDF leads to significantly improved outcomes for all primary diagnoses and was sustained for >10 years' follow-up. Secondary surgeries were performed for pseudarthrosis repair and for symptomatic adjacent-level degeneration.
Is cervical fusion common?
This type of fusion is only rarely used in the cervical spine, generally only for fractures of the spine. If surgery is necessary, the anterior interbody cervical fusion is used to treat most problems in the neck caused by degenerative disc disease.
How painful is ACDF surgery?
No significant muscle is cut during the approach to the spine so there is minimal post-operative pain. It is common to have a sore throat and some mild discomfort with swallowing after the surgery. This usually settles over 2-3 days.
What is the most life threatening complication for patients who have a cervical discectomy?
One of the most serious adverse events associated with anterior cervical spine surgery is postoperative airway obstruction due to wound hematoma.
Can I live a normal life after ACDF surgery?
Fortunately, ACDF patients typically have good outcomes, both in terms of pain relief and quality of life after the procedure.
Can you live a normal life after spinal fusion?
Even people requiring bigger surgeries like spinal fusion are 90% likely to return to work and stay at work long term. While most people recover from back pain through exercise and healthy lifestyles, those who require surgery can expect to return to work and "get their life back" too.
Do you wear a neck brace after ACDF surgery?
2) You will wear a cervical collar for at least 4 weeks post-operatively. This should be worn at all times (including in bed) but may be removed for showering. 3) About 3-4 days after surgery, you throat will become swollen. This usually lasts 1-2 days and you may want to sleep in a recliner for that time.
How can ACDF be prevented?
RecoveryRest. Rest in the context of treatment means avoiding activities that put stress on the neck, such as lifting weights or maintain poor posture at a desk. ... Lifestyle Modifications. ... Physical Therapy. ... Alternative Therapy. ... Home Exercises. ... Medications. ... Epidural Steroid Injections.
Is neck surgery Risky?
For some reason, neck surgery complications are almost always mentally associated with paralysis. Neck surgery is no more dangerous or risky than any other surgery.
Does cervical fusion limit mobility?
Even in rare cases where three or four levels of the lower cervical spine are fused, less than 25% of the neck's overall mobility would be lost and this would not affect a person's ability to perform most daily tasks. For any daily task that might be somewhat affected, adjustments could be made for getting them done.
What is the difference between ACDF 2 and ACDF 1?
In the cases 2 level ACDF, the surgical intervention is basically the same as of a 1 level ACDF Surgery, the only difference is that the surgery takes longer and the recovery time in the hospital takes a day longer.
How long after ACDF surgery can you leave the hospital?
The patient can leave the hospital within 2-3 days after the surgery, except when 2 level ACDF surgery was performed in or multilevel ACDF surgeries, which in these cases, the patient must remain in the hospital a bit longer before going back home.
Is ACDF surgery successful?
ACDF Surgery Success Rate. ACDF is a successful procedure when it comes to improve or eliminate the radiculopathy (arm pain) caused by a compressed nerve root. Most of the patients are happy with the positive outcome. ACDF is a less effective procedure when it comes to improve the cervical pain ...
FAQs About Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
Continue reading below to learn more about anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), or click on one of these links to go directly to the information that interests you.
How is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) surgery performed?
Typically, surgeons access the cervical spine from the front of the neck. By using this anterior approach, they can reach the disc without disturbing the spinal cord, spinal nerves, and the strong neck muscles. The neurosurgeon will then remove the degenerated disc.
What is the recovery process for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)?
Some patients go home the day of the procedure, although many may have to stay overnight.
How long does ACDF surgery last?
In order to achieve the long-term benefits of ACDF surgery, most patients understand that the recovery period will entail some short-term inconveniences, such as discomfort, fatigue, and reduced activity levels that typically last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. In addition, almost all patients will experience at least some challenges ...
Where does ACDF pain go?
Pain that moves around. Some patients are surprised that the most bothersome pain immediately following ACDF surgery may not be in the neck but rather in the upper back and shoulders (due to the fusion altering the attached muscles’ biomechanics) or in the hip (if bone graft was taken from there).
What is an anterior cervical discectomy?
Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF) is a common surgery to relieve nerve and spinal cord compression in the neck. During the procedure, one or more dysfunctional discs are removed, and then two or more vertebrae are stabilized and fused together. While ACDF surgery is a relatively safe procedure that usually achieves long-term success, ...
Can ACDF cause constipation?
Constipation can occur in patients recovering from ACDF for a variety of reasons, such as a side effect of opioid medication and/or a lack of exercise and fiber. See Preventing Constipation After Back Surgery. This is not a complete list of ACDF recovery challenges.
Does ACDF affect mood?
The challenges of an ACDF recovery can add up over time and lead to struggles with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. In some cases, pain medication side effects can also affect mood and the ability to think clearly. Bowel movements.
Is ACDF surgery safe?
While ACDF surgery is a relatively safe procedure that usually achieves long-term success, the recovery process can vary greatly from person to person. See ACDF: Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Video Save. Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion ...
When was disc replacement first used?
First described in 1966, disc replacement came into wider use in the early 2000s and has gone through multiple generations using different technologies, different mobile-bearing surfaces, and different polymers, says Dr. Shah. There are multiple ways of maintaining that space once the disc is removed.
What is the difference between a bone graft and a disc replacement?
The only difference—and admittedly it’s a big one—is that surgeons implant a bone graft in ACDF so the vertebrae fuse together and stop painful movement. In a disc replacement, they implant an artificial disc to preserve the movement of the vertebrae.
What is the gold standard for cervical disc degeneration?
It’s considered the gold-standard surgery for cervical disc degeneration. “Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion” is a mouthful, so let’s break down what each of those words means: Discectomy: Removing a herniated, bulging or otherwise damaged intervertebral disc, which acts like the spine’s shock absorbers.
Is disc replacement better for younger people?
Some experts and literature say that disc replacement may be better for younger people because it preserves motion and it helps prevent other areas of the spine from wearing out. But, we're finding other discs can still wear out with cervical disc replacement surgery, Dr. Shah says.
Is cervical disc replacement the same as ACDF?
Cervical disc replacement surgery is similar to ACDF in that the damaged disc will be removed, but now an artificial disc is put in its place. Your doctor also might refer to this surgery as anterior disc replacement or cervical disc arthroplasty. The goal here is not fusion; rather, the arthroplasty device helps retain the neck’s normal range ...
What are the risks of ACDF surgery?
For an ACDF surgery, the main potential risks and complications that tend to occur include: Damage to the trachea/esophagus. Hematoma or seroma causing airway compromise. By far the most common complication following surgery is difficulty with swallowing, medically known as dysphagia.
What is the most common complication after spinal fusion surgery?
Hematoma or seroma causing airway compromise. See Failed Spinal Fusion Surgery. By far the most common complication following surgery is difficulty with swallowing, medically known as dysphagia. The esophagus lies directly in front of the spine and needs to be mobilized and retracted during surgery, which can cause difficulty swallowing.
How long after fusion surgery will you have symptoms?
It has been estimated that about ¼ of patients will have symptoms from problems at an adjacent disc by 10 years after surgery. It is still unknown whether having a fusion surgery, with the resulting loss of motion between the vertebrae, contributes to the faster disc degeneration above and below the fusion.
What is ACDF in medical terms?
An ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion) is usually only carried out when conservative measures to help resolve a patient's symptoms have failed. Some symptoms that are commonly reported by patients include a worsening of symptoms like pain, a burning sensation which does not go away as well a loss of fine motor skills.
What are the complications of ACDF surgery?
Some common complications that are seen after an ACDF surgery are: 1 Since the operation takes place close to some of the major blood vessels of the body, there is a chance that they can get injured during the procedure. Bleeding from the carotid artery or the vertebral artery as a result of the operation can even lead to a stroke or death. 2 Some people complaint of pain in the throat and a difficulty in swallowing food. This indicates damage to the superior laryngeal nerve which is close to the site of surgery and therefore at risk of getting injured. 3 There can also be damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Hoarseness as well as a choking sensation may also be experienced by affected individuals. 4 One of the more common complications post surgery is the formation of a wound hematoma or bleeding at the site of injury. This will result in a slight swelling at the site of surgery and will be painful to touch. 5 The esophagus and the trachea are also in close proximity to the site of surgery and can thus be damaged. 6 Infection of the wound can also occur, however with currently followed asepsis protocols and post operative medication, this is most likely to occur in patients who are immuno-compromised or diabetic.
How long does it take for pain to go away after ACDF?
Some things to remember during post-op care after undergoing an ACDF procedure are: Pain and discomfort in swallowing may be cause of some necessary manipulation of the esophagus and takes a few days to resolve.
