Cervical Fusion

By

By: Ehren Allen, PT, Certified Manual Therapist

What is a Cervical Fusion Surgery?

A cervical fusion is a surgery which fuses 2 or more neck bones together.  The bones in the neck, or cervical spine, are called vertebrae.  This surgical procedure is performed by several Orthopedic Spine Surgeons at JOI. The purpose of a Cervical Fusion is to add space between 2 vertebrae and prevent movement at their spine level.  

If you would like to learn more about the Anatomy of the Neck, this video may help.Cervical FusionNeck Pain can be treated with a cervical fusion

Why would you have a Cervical Fusion?


There are several reasons why this procedure may be necessary. These may include:

Neck AnatomyCervical Anatomy

Typically, a Cervical Fusion is performed when more conservative treatment options do not help.  Other treatment options may include:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Oral medications
  • Injected steroids
  • Acupuncture
  • Massage Therapy

Can you Move your Neck after Cervical Fusion?

A Cervical Fusion only limits movement at the spine levels that are fused. The neck has 7 vertebrae that move.  Thus, if 2 bones are fused together, the remaining 5 can still move.  Motion would only be mildly limited.  If multiple levels are fused together, or there are other issues, then movement may be limited more after a cervical fusion.  

Immediately after surgery, movement is typically limited for 3 to 6 weeks to allow for healing form the surgery.  

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Cervical Fusion?

It usually takes 3 to 6 months to recover from a Cervical fusion.  Complete bone healing can take up to a year.  A cervical fusion requires bone screws which are inserted into the vertebrae.  Over time, the bone grows around the screw rivets.

How Long do I have to Wear a Neck Brace after ACDF Surgery?

ACDF Surgery or Anterior Cervical Disk Fusion Surgery does not always require a neck brace.  It depends on the surgeon’s preference and how involved the issues are in the neck.  

Can You Play Golf After a Cervical Fusion?

In many cases, you can play golf after a Cervical Fusion once it has healed.  There are several Professional Golfers on the PGA Tour who have had Cervical Fusions and returned to the Tour.  

PGA Champions Rory Sabbatini and Brian Gay both received Cervical Fusions and returned to Professional Golf.  They both received devices through Centinel Spine.  The same device and procedure is performed at the Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute by Gregory Keller, MD. Dr. Keller is a Board Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon in Jacksonville, FL.

Other Orthopaedic Spine Specialists use different devices to do Cervical Fusions and have excellent outcomes.  If you want to schedule an appointment with a JOI Rehab Spine Therapist, call 904-858-7045.

Related Articles:

Book an Appointment with The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute Today!

JOI Physicians continue to offer online new patient appointments. This is another option to make it more convenient to make new patient appointments with less phone hold times. Follow the link below to select your JOI MD and schedule online.

You can still call 904-JOI-2000 to make new patient JOI Physician Appointments if that is your preference.

To make appointments with JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.  JOI Rehab now offers Direct Access to physical therapy.  We are looking grow our rehab centers, please go to JOIN JOI Rehab for our current openings.

SEE A BACK OR NECK SPECIALIST

BOOK APPOINTMENT