What is it?
An anterior cervical discectomy (ACDF) surgery is a procedure that removes a damaged intervertebral disc from the spine in the neck, using a surgical approach from the front of the neck.
The Procedure
The surgeon removes the damaged disc(s) and any bone spurs to remove the pressure from the spinal cord or nerve roots. This part of the procedure is often performed with an operating microscope, using microsurgical neurosurgical techniques.
The surgeon will select the appropriate size artificial disc and implant it into the disc space. Both fusion and arthroplasty are performed under direct vision of the surgeon and verified with intraoperative X-rays to ensure precise placement.
After the Procedure
Patients are usually discharged from the hospital the day after surgery. The surgeon will schedule a follow up visit, typically 4-6 weeks after surgery. You may be prescribed aspirin to be taken on a daily basis for two weeks following the surgery. This helps limit the possible growth of calcium around the artificial disc.
Call today to schedule your consultation for a cervical discectomy surgery in Houston!