Anterior Cervical Discectomy & Fusion
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure that treats pain caused by compressed nerves in the neck. This surgical approach involves removing the disk between the affected bones and fusing them together. In turn, ACDF surgery moves the pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. This procedure treats the issue in the neck through the front or throat area. Additionally, this procedure also helps in treating different types of arthritis that cause pain.
ACDF in India surgery removes the pressure from the nerves around the spinal cord. The reason for the pressure is due to bone spurs or bulging disks. Bone spurs form as a result of arthritis. This disc performs as a shock absorber between vertebrae that slips out of place and moves up against a nerve.
However, ACDF surgery can lead to weakness or damage to the spinal cord. These problems may occur due to accidents or with other serious problems. The pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord develops gradually.
Who is recommended for ACDF surgery?
ACDF surgery is only recommended if other alternative and non surgical treatment failed to relieve the following symptoms such as:
- Tingling and numbness in hands and fingers
- Severe neck pain
- Pain in the down side of the arms
- Weakness in the hands and arms
- Issue with balance and walking
Some suggested non surgical treatments include:
- Physical therapy
- Heat and ice
- Medications
- Injections
Surgery is not recommended if the patient has one or more of these symptoms. But having no surgery doesn't clarify that you don't have pain. In that case the best neurosurgeon in India will recommend the best treatment.
Steps in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery
- Before making an incision, the patient is given an anesthesia that lets the patient stay in a deep sleep state, so that the patient won't bear any pain during the surgery.
- After that, the neurosurgeon makes an incision 1 to 2 inches in front of the neck on one side. The breathing tubes called trachea and swallowing tubes called esophagus moved aside.
- Then the procedure of removing the affected disk and related bone spurs takes place. In rare cases, the surgeon removes the complete front of the vertebrae.
- After the removal of disk and bone spurs, the spinal fusion begins. Two or one vertebrae are combined to make into one bone. This happens over time as the bone fuse.
- In the available gap of removed disk or disks, surgeons implant a piece of bone or hollow metal ring filled with crushed bone. This bone is from the patient's own bone or taken from the bone bank.
- After the bone is placed, the surgeon will implant a metal plate and screw in front of the spine to fix the bones in place so that they can fuse together.
- After completing the procedure and ensuring the position of the implant, the surgeon closes the incision site.
Risk of ACDF surgery
There is no surgery without any risk and complications so is ACDF. Before undergoing the surgery the doctor will tell you all the possible complications and risks. Some of the common risks of ACDF include:
- Infection
- Problem in swallowing
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Side effect of anesthesia
- Nerve damage
- Change in voice
- Difficulty in holding eyelid up
- No relief symptoms
- Chances of another surgery
Cost of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery
The cost of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in India is lower and affordable than other countries. Indeed, India provides cost-effective medical care to all patients coming from other countries, without compromising the quality of treatment.
Multilingual staff make it more approachable with no language barrier. Indeed, India is among the top leading nations to achieve goals of best facilities and services.
Summary
Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure that treats pain caused by compressed nerves in the neck.
This procedure treats the issue in the neck through the front or throat area. Additionally, this procedure also helps in treating different types of arthritis that cause pain.
ACDF surgery is only recommended if other alternative and non surgical treatments failed to relieve the symptoms.
