Anterior Cervical Decompression & Fusion

By Sonya Thigpen, ATC

Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion

The Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion (ACDF) procedure is used to relieve neck pain.  This can be caused by nerve root or spinal cord compression in the cervical spine. Patients that may be eligible for this procedure include those with a diagnosis of:

• Herniated disc.
• Cervical radiculopathy.
• Degenerative disc disease.
• Neck or arm pain.
• Weakness and/or numbness.
• 

  Cervical Vertebral Bones

Physicians may consider this procedure appropriate if all other conservative management has failed. Conservative treatments such as Physical Therapy or Massage Therapy.  The procedure is performed with the patient in the supine position, lying on their back, with a small incision along the front of the neck.

First, the surgeon will remove the problematic disc. This, in turn decompresses the spinal cord and nerve roots to relieve the pressure. After this accomplishment, the surgeon then performs a fusion. This will then join the selected bones in the neck, to stabilize the vertebrae.  Watch this VIDEO to learn more about Pinched Nerves in the Neck and Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion.

To learn more about your neck pain, read this ARTICLE on the common reasons for neck pain

JOI Spine Team

JOI Rehab Clinicians work with our JOI Board Certified Spine Physicians to develop specific fusion rehab protocols to help guide our physical therapists during your recovery. Furthermore, our integrated service model at JOI places a focus on giving you the best possible outcome. The Spine Team at JOI meets on a quarterly basis for CEU activity and to update protocols.

The JOI Spine Team consists of Spine Surgeons, Physiatrists, Physical Therapists and Medical Massage Therapists.

Also, JOI Rehab has announced a new program for back or spine patients to fast track them for physical therapy. This new program will allow patients who have seen their primary care or family practice physician to begin conservative physical therapy treatment immediately.  Early intervention with physical therapy is more effective with back pain.

If you want more information about the Fast Track Spine Program or for JOI Rehab appointments, give us a call at 904-858-7045

Finally, to make a Telemedicine or Office Appointment with a JOI Orthopaedic Spine Specialist, please call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online or click below.

By: Sonya Thigpen, ATC