Trusted Anterior Cervical Fusion Surgery
Relief for a Compressed Neck Nerve
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) removes a damaged disc from the front of the neck and fuses the adjacent vertebrae together, relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. It's often recommended for a herniated or bulging disc in the neck or spinal stenosis that hasn't responded to conservative care.
At HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care, Dr. John Shiau and Dr. John Morrison determine exactly which level of the neck needs treatment before recommending anterior cervical fusion, since precision matters for a successful outcome.
If neck pain or nerve symptoms are affecting your daily life, request a consultation with HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care today.
What to Expect from Anterior Cervical Fusion Surgery
Understanding the Procedure and Recovery
When Anterior Cervical Fusion Is Recommended
This procedure is typically considered when:
- A herniated or bulging disc in the neck is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord
- Spinal stenosis has narrowed the space around the nerves in the neck
- Conservative treatment hasn't relieved persistent pain, numbness, or weakness
- Symptoms are affecting arm strength, hand coordination, or daily function
How the ACDF Procedure Works
The surgeon accesses the spine through a small incision at the front of the neck, removes the damaged disc, and places a bone graft or spacer in its place to restore height between the vertebrae. A plate and screws are then added to hold everything securely while the bone fuses over time.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery from ACDF surgery generally follows this pattern:
- Right After Surgery: Many patients go home the same day or after a short hospital stay.
- First Few Weeks: A soft collar may be worn for support while activity is gradually increased.
- Longer Term: Full fusion can take several months, with physical therapy supporting a return to normal activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is anterior cervical fusion, and how is it different from surgery elsewhere in the spine?
Anterior cervical fusion specifically addresses damaged discs in the neck, approached from the front rather than the back, which allows the surgeon to reach the disc space without moving the spinal cord or nerves out of the way. This anterior approach is well-suited to the neck's anatomy and is one of the most common ways to treat cervical disc problems.
Will I lose neck mobility after ACDF surgery?
Fusing a single level of the neck typically has a modest effect on overall neck mobility, since the remaining levels continue to move normally. Your surgeon will discuss the specific level being treated and what to realistically expect for movement and function after recovery.
What does ACDF surgery cost, and is it covered by insurance?
The cost of ACDF surgery depends on factors like the number of levels treated and your specific insurance plan. HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care accepts most major insurance plans, and our team is happy to review coverage details during your consultation.
Will transportation be provided on the day of my surgery?
Yes. The surgical center provides transportation to and from the center on the day of your anterior cervical fusion, so you don't have to worry about driving or finding parking. New York and New Jersey both require a companion to accompany you on the day of surgery, and this service helps take care of that requirement too, which is often a relief for patients who don't have someone available to drive them.
Why should I choose HighRise Orthopedic and Spine Care for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion near me?
Finding the right spine doctor near you means finding a team with precise, level-specific expertise in neck surgery. Dr. Shiau and Dr. Morrison bring that expertise to every ACDF procedure, backed by a thorough evaluation of your specific anatomy.
Serving patients across New York and New Jersey, our team is ready to help you find relief from neck pain and nerve symptoms.