Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery (ACDF) s a surgical procedure performed by the best in class board certified NYC spine surgeon, Dr. Sean McCance, to reduce pressure on the spinal nerves and/or the spinal cord due to compression from a herniated disc or bone spur after conservative treatments have been exhausted. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is a spinal surgery operation that is performed on the upper back/neck area. The operation is two-fold, combining a discectomy and fusion surgery and essentially consists of removing the damaged disc and then promoting bone growth and stability between the vertebrae. 

ACDF surgery is a very common procedure performed by the NYC spine surgeon and has a long and studied record of consistent positive outcomes.

I had a microdiscectomy by Dr. Mc Cance about 7 years ago. From the moment I woke up from the surgery I felt relief and I’ve never had a back problem since! Before the surgery, the pain was so bad I could barely walk. Within a week after the surgery I was walking pretty good and after two weeks it was like I never had surgery at all.  Now I hike, run, workout, mountain climb and ice climb. I never thought I would be able to do these things again so I am very grateful the surgery worked well for me. ~ Google

In addition to appropriate diagnostic tests, prior to recommending anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, several factors will be considered by Dr. Sean McCance such as your age, health status, lifestyle, and anticipated level of activity following surgery.

For the surgical treatment of a herniated disc in the neck, the NYC spine surgeon commonly recommends an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, known as “ACDF.” This is a highly successful surgery for pain relief, with a very quick recovery. Sometimes a smaller surgery, called microdiscectomy (removal of fragments of a herniated disc through a small incision) can be performed, which does not require fusing any of the bones together. Finally, disc replacement technology is available, and appropriate in a select few cases.

Why Do I Need Cervical (Neck) Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with a herniated disc or bone spurs can form when the joints of the spine calcify, this can result in:

  • Pain in the neck and/or arms
  • Decreased balance
  • You have been diagnosed with cervical degeneration which requires surgery
  • Lack of coordination
  • Numbness or weakness in the arms, forearms, or fingers
  • You have been diagnosed with compression of either the nerve roots in the cervical spine or compression of the spinal cord itself
  • Painkillers, rest, exercises, and injections have not alleviated your pain
  • There is a likelihood of serious complications involving the nerves if left untreated
  • The pain in your neck, upper back, and arms are having a profound effect on your quality of life

Doctor’s note: You will be able to walk the first day after the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery. Dr. McCance will provide you with specific instructions including exercises to support recovery.

Our best in class, Upper East Side, NYC back & neck pain diagnosis & surgery practice, Spine Associates, is honored to provide you with highly personalized and comprehensive care. Our philosophy of direct management of your case by an expert spine surgeon has made us one of the most trusted and respected spine surgery practices on the Upper East Side in NYC and the world. Feel free to contact the back & neck pain diagnosis and spine surgery specialist today to discuss anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery (ACDF) and start yourself on the road to recovery.

Dr. Sean McCance
1155 Park Avenue, Suite E
New York, NY 10128
(212) 360-6500