Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF)

ACDF is a neck operation to remove a damaged cervical disc, relieve pressure on the spinal cord or a nerve root, and stabilise the operated level. It may be recommended when a cervical disc, bone spur or thickened ligament is compressing a nerve root or the spinal cord, causing pain that travels into the shoulder, arm or hand, numbness or weakness in the arm or hand, or — where the spinal cord itself is affected — poor balance or difficulty walking (cervical myelopathy). The operation is performed through a small incision at the front of the neck. The damaged disc is removed, and a PEEK interbody cage or spacer — a strong medical-grade polymer implant, not an artificial disc — is placed into the disc space to restore disc height and support fusion between the adjacent vertebrae. For a suitable single-level procedure, this is often sufficient without additional metal plate fixation. Most patients stay in hospital for approximately 2–3 days. Arm pain often improves early; numbness, weakness or balance problems may take longer to recover and may not resolve completely. The first clinic review is usually 1–2 weeks after surgery.