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ACDF - Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion Specialist

New York Spine and Sports Surgery

Orthopedic Spine Surgeon & Orthopedic Sports Surgeon located in East Garden City, Garden City, NY & Bloomfield, NJ

World-renowned orthopedic surgeon Aron D. Rovner, MD, specializes in minimally invasive neck procedures such as anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Dr. Rovner uses the latest surgical innovations to perform ACDF procedures at two New York Spine and Sports Surgery locations in Garden City, New York, and Fair Lawn, New Jersey. If you’re looking for a highly skilled surgeon to perform an ACDF procedure, call your nearest office or schedule an appointment online today.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion FAQ

What is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure to reduce or eliminate pain in your neck, upper back, or arm. The cervical spine consists of seven small and delicate bones (vertebrae) that support your neck. 

What conditions does ACDF surgery treat?

ACDF surgery treats neck pain and nerve dysfunction that results from nerve compression, also called a pinched nerve. The most common causes of nerve compression in the cervical spine include:

Herniated discs

Spinal discs are small, rubbery cushions in between your vertebrae that are filled with a soft, gel-like material. A herniated disc occurs when some of this material pushes through the exterior. When this happens, the displaced disc material can damage the ligaments around your spine and press on a nerve.

Bone spurs

A bone spur is a bony growth that protrudes from a bone. Bone spurs may develop on a vertebra and squeeze a spinal nerve as it passes through the nerve root canal. 

A herniated disc or bone spur in your cervical spine can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in your neck, upper back, and arm. 

What should I expect from an ACDF procedure?

Dr. Rovner takes a conservative approach to treatment and only considers ACDF surgery if other treatments fail to improve your condition. When surgery is necessary, he uses advanced technology to perform minimally invasive procedures that reduce pain, scarring, and blood loss.

The procedure is called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion because it accesses your cervical spine through the front (anterior) part of your neck. Dr. Rovner makes a small incision in the front of your neck. Then, he performs a discectomy, which involves removing the damaged part of a disc as well as any other tissues that compress the spine, such as a bone spur. 

Then, Dr. Rovner places a bone graft between the affected vertebrae to fuse them together. If necessary, he may reinforce the graft with metal plates and pins.

After your procedure, Dr. Rovner provides you with detailed instructions on how to take care of yourself to facilitate optimal recovery. 

To learn more about anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, call New York Spine and Sports Surgery or schedule an appointment online today.