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Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery in Naples, FL

ACDF

An anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgery performed to remove a damaged or herniated disc from the cervical spine, located in the neck. The term anterior for this procedure refers to a surgical approach through the front of the neck. This procedure is performed through an incision on the front of the neck to access and remove a damaged disc. 

A spinal fusion and fixation procedure follows the cervical discectomy to restore spinal stability.  A spinal fusion involves the insertion of a spacer and bone graft between two vertebrae to cause the bones above and below the extracted disc to grow together. Fixation aids the fusion process and involves the insertion of a titanium plate secured with screws to hold the bones in place while they fuse.

The ACDF procedure requires general anesthesia. The length of the procedure usually takes between one and three hours depending on individual circumstances and the number of discs involved.

When is ACDF Surgery Performed?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a viable treatment for patients experiencing degeneration of the discs in the cervical spine or herniated discs. It may also be used to remove bone spurs on your vertebrae that cause pinched nerves. In these cases surgery is often recommended as continued degradation of the intervertebral discs puts the spinal cord and nerve roots at risk.

How to Prepare For An ACDF Procedure

Prior to an ACDF procedure, the patient will be put to sleep under general anesthesia.

Dr. Ditty and his team will provide you with recommendations and requirements as you prepare for your procedure to reduce the risk of complications. You may have to discontinue certain medications or supplements prior to surgery.

Recovery

Most patients undergoing one or two level ACDF surgery will be discharged the same day, while most patients undergoing three or more level surgery will typically be observed in the hospital or surgery center for one night. Dr. Ditty and his team will work with you immediately after surgery and through regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.  They will prescribe a combination of medications to keep you comfortable while your body heals.

Patients recovering from ACDF surgery should avoid taking oral and topical anti-inflammatory medications for at least six months. Patients should also avoid other elective surgeries or medical procedures, including dental work, for three months.

Light exercise and physical therapy aid in the healing process. Patients typically return to their daily activities four to six weeks after their procedure.

Contact

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ditty to discuss your surgical options. Dr. Ditty and his team will guide you through the steps you need to take for pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery, including nonsurgical lifestyle changes to prevent further pain or complications.

Call (239) 337-2003 today to schedule a consultation or learn more.

Dr. Ditty and his staff has performed 5 Lower Back Procedures since October 2020. I’m fused from my L-1 thru L-5. Dr. Ditty and his staff did a great job on me. Their bedside manners were outstanding. Dr Ditty’s surgical assistant Kelly Carney also, is very professional and caring person. Her follow up skills are on the cutting edge. The whole Dr. Ditty team took excellent care of me.

Thomas E.

August 2021

Very professional, courteous and informative. A caring doctor who listens to you and makes sure you understand the assessment of his plan. Talks to you in terms you will understand without talking down to you. Dr. Ditty made sure both my wife and I understood the intricacies of the procedure and took the time to answer all our concerns. Explained recovery time, what to expect and how long.

Robert T.

He’s caring, attentive to detail, and never makes you feel like an inconvenience. Thanks to him, I went from barely able to walk with a walker to walking on my own in less than three weeks.

Carolyn W.