How serious is ACDF surgery?

While uncommon, as with all surgery there are a number of risks and potential complications that can occur as a result of a cervical decompression and fusion surgery, including: Hemorrhage or formation of a wound hematoma. Damage to the carotid or vertebral artery resulting in a stroke or excessive bleeding, even death.

What is PCF surgery?

Posterior Cervical Fusion (PCF) is the general term used to describe the technique of surgically mending two (or more) cervical spine bones together along the sides of the bone using a posterior (back of the neck) incision. Bone graft is placed along the sides the spine bones, which over time, fuses (mends) together.

How long does ADR surgery take?

An artificial disc replacement surgery to treat one level of disease takes between 45 minutes to 1:15 minutes max. In artificial disc replacement surgery, a skilled spine surgeon first removes your damaged natural vertebral disc from the spinal column.

What kind of surgery is ACDF?

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgery to remove a herniated or degenerative disc in the neck. An incision is made in the throat area to reach and remove the disc. A graft is inserted to fuse together the bones above and below the disc.

How painful is ACDF?

No significant muscle is cut during the approach to the spine so there is minimal post-operative pain. It is common to have a sore throat and some mild discomfort with swallowing after the surgery. This usually settles over 2-3 days.

How long does ACDF last?

An ACDF surgery can take one to four hours depending on your condition and the number of disks to be removed.

How successful is neck fusion?

This surgery has a high success rate. Between 93 to 100 percent of people who’ve had ACDF surgery for arm pain reported relief from pain, and 73 to 83 percent of people who had ACDF surgery for neck pain reported positive results.

What is a 3 level cervical fusion?

A Three-Level Cervical Fusion is a major surgery where 3 discs are removed and hardware is placed to stabilize the neck. the procedure is performed in a hospital and takes several hours.. Cervical fusion surgery is popular. The rate of posterior cervical fusions in the US has increased by 2.7 fold from 2001-2013 (2).

How long will an artificial disc last?

For most patients, an artificial disc replacement will last an average of 70 years without the need for a revision artificial disc replacement.

Is disc replacement better than fusion?

Lumbar disc replacement, a similar procedure that replaces the discs in the lower back, also has a faster recovery time than fusion. A study published in Global Spine Journal found that disc replacement patients were able to return to work significantly faster than fusion patients.

How many years does ACDF last?

Conclusion: ACDF leads to significantly improved outcomes for all primary diagnoses and was sustained for >10 years’ follow-up. Secondary surgeries were performed for pseudarthrosis repair and for symptomatic adjacent-level degeneration.

Do you wear a neck brace after ACDF surgery?

2) You will wear a cervical collar for at least 4 weeks post-operatively. This should be worn at all times (including in bed) but may be removed for showering. 3) About 3-4 days after surgery, you throat will become swollen. This usually lasts 1-2 days and you may want to sleep in a recliner for that time.

Do you have to wear a neck brace after ACDF?

Most often you do not need a neck brace after surgery. In rare instances and depending on the extent of your surgery, you may be given a neck brace after surgery. You will be given the brace prior to leaving the hospital if it is needed. Dr.

How do you sleep after ACDF?

Sleeping on the side or back is recommended versus sleeping on the stomach. Adding a pillow between the knees when sleeping on the side, or under the legs when sleeping on the back, may be helpful. If sleeping troubles become a pattern, the doctor should be contacted.

Is neck fusion a disability?

There is no specific disability listing for back surgery or spinal fusion, but if the surgery didn’t correct your impairments, you might meet the requirements of a listing based on the impairments that led you to need back surgery or spinal fusion.

How long do neck fusions last?

The fusion should be solid by about 3 months, and the newly fused bone should continue to grow stronger for up to about a year. The surgeon may take X-rays to determine the fusion’s progress.

Why does my neck pop after ACDF surgery?

The most likely cause of a squeaking, clicking, or popping sound in the body after a spine surgery is spinal hardware. Hardware (whether it be rods, screws, plates, or something else) is a foreign object in your body. As a result it can take a little while for your body to get used to the hardware.

Which artificial disc is best?

With over 200 peer-reviewed studies, ProDisc-L is the best-known and longest studied ADR. It is also the only lumbar disc that has begun the process of studying its performance at multiple levels through an FDA IDE study.

Who is a good candidate for disc replacement surgery?

Generally, good candidates for disc replacement have: Back pain caused primarily by one or two intervertebral discs. No significant facet joint disease or bony compression on nerves. A healthy weight.