Treatment

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a type of surgery that is performed to remove a slipped or worn-out cervical disc. They make an incision in the throat to access the disc and retract the muscle, trachea, oesophagus, and arteries. They use a special retractor to separate the disc and remove 2/3 of the damaged portion of the disc. The doctors at Protea Spine will remove broken pieces of disc and bone spurs to alleviate pressure on the spinal nerves. A foraminotomy may be necessary to widen the foramen and create enough space for nerves to leave the spinal canal. As soon as the surgeon decompresses spinal nerves, they prepare the bone graft for fusion. They remove the outer layer of the bone and expose the bone's blood-rich region. The bone graft compensates for the space between the vertebrae and is held in place by plates and screws. Posterior surgery is much less complicated than the posterior approach because there is no disturbance to the muscles, spinal cord, and nerves. Patients turn to ACDF when anti-inflammatories and physical therapy exercises fail to relieve chronic neck pain.

After surgery, your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing are monitored in the recovery room. Your orthopaedic surgeon at Protea Spine will provide post-operative incision care instructions. You will be referred to a qualified physiotherapist for back strengthening exercises.