Performed by Dr. Rajesh Bindal at Texas Spine & Neurosurgery
What Is ACDF?
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the most commonly performed neck surgery in the United States—and for good reason. This trusted, time-tested technique is used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine.
At Texas Spine & Neurosurgery in Sugar Land, TX, Dr. Rajesh Bindal, a board-certified neurosurgeon and pioneer in minimally invasive spine techniques, performs this procedure with precision and a patient-first approach.
How the Procedure Is Performed
The procedure begins with a small, horizontal incision at the front of the neck—typically placed along a natural skin crease to enhance cosmetic outcomes. Through a short and safe dissection, Dr. Bindal gains access to the front of the spine.
Key steps in the procedure include:
Identifying and confirming the correct disc level using intraoperative X-ray
Removing the damaged disc, herniated fragments, and any bone spurs
Decompressing the spinal cord and nerve roots
Inserting a bone graft into the empty disc space to promote spinal fusion
Securing the area with a low-profile titanium plate (less than 2 mm thick) and screws for stabilization
Proven Success with ACDF Surgery
ACDF has been performed since the 1950s with high success rates and excellent outcomes. It remains a gold-standard procedure for:
Relieving chronic neck and arm pain
Restoring neurological function
Preventing progression of spinal cord or nerve damage
Patients suffering from large herniated discs, bone spurs, or severe degenerative changes often experience significant and lasting relief following ACDF. Dr. Bindal has successfully performed this procedure on thousands of patients across Sugar Land and the Greater Houston area.
Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement (Cervical Arthroplasty)
A Motion-Preserving Alternative to Fusion
For some patients, artificial cervical disc replacement offers an excellent alternative to traditional fusion. This technique follows the same surgical exposure and disc removal process as ACDF, but instead of placing a bone graft and fusing the vertebrae, a prosthetic disc is implanted to maintain natural neck motion.
Benefits and Considerations
Advantages:
Preserves spinal flexibility and motion
May reduce risk of adjacent disc degeneration
Minimally invasive and often has a quicker recovery
Ideal candidates include:
Younger patients (20s–40s)
Individuals requiring treatment at only one cervical level
Patients without severe spinal cord compression or large bone spurs
Limitations:
Only FDA-approved for specific, single-level indications
Not ideal for patients with multiple-level disease or advanced arthritis
Long-term data is still evolving, though early results are promising
Dr. Rajesh Bindal performed the first artificial cervical disc replacement in Fort Bend County, and continues to offer this cutting-edge treatment to carefully selected patients.
Explore Your Neck Pain Treatment Options
In addition to ACDF and cervical disc replacement, Dr. Bindal offers a range of advanced treatments for neck pain, including:
Posterior surgical approaches
Non-surgical therapies such as physical therapy, medication, and guided injections
Each treatment plan is fully personalized, based on your unique anatomy, symptoms, lifestyle, and long-term health goals.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Rajesh Bindal
If you’re experiencing persistent neck pain, radiating symptoms, or neurological changes, don’t wait. Dr. Rajesh Bindal at Texas Spine & Neurosurgery in Sugar Land, TX is here to help you explore your options and get the relief you deserve.
Call 281-313-0031 today to schedule your personalized consultation.