Patients suffering from neck pain commonly ask about surgical options. One option is an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). For this procedure, I make a small incision on the front of the neck to remove the intervertebral disc, which acts like a cushion between two vertebral bodies. I place a bone between the vertebral bodies, which will fuse together as the neck heals. This surgery treats conditions such as radiculopathies or nerve root injuries that cause pain, numbness or tingling.
An ACDF can also be an option for to treat myelopathy, a compression of the spinal cord itself, which can cause balance and coordination issues or trouble with fine motor skills. For more information about ACDF, please watch my video below.
Patients with other neck and back conditions may find the following information helpful:
- Will a Laminectomy Relieve Back and Neck Pain?
- How Do Epidural Steroid Injections Relieve Back and Neck Pain?
- How Does Spinal Cord Stimulation Treat Lower Back Pain?
- Will Radiofrequency Ablation Treat Lower Back Pain?
- Lower Back Pain: What is the Difference Between Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty?
About the Author: Theodore Koreckij, M.D. is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in conditions of the spine, including adult degenerative disorders and conditions associated with metastatic disease.
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The medical information contained in the Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics website is provided to increase your knowledge and understanding of orthopedic conditions. This information should not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific medical or surgical treatment plan. As each patient may have specific symptoms or associated problems, the treatment regimen for a specific patient may not be the proper treatment for another.
Gaining knowledge and understanding of a particular problem or condition is the first step in any medical treatment plan. I believe the information presented on our website will be helpful for those individuals experiencing neck or back pain, a spinal disorder, or other related problems. However, this information is not intended to replace the advice of your family physician. You are encouraged to consult with your physician to discuss any course of treatment presented or suggested.
