Minimally Invasive Cervical Fusion
Back & Neck Pain Treatments
What is a Minimally Invasive Cervical Fusion (ACDF)?
A Minimally Invasive Cervical Fusion is also commonly referred to as an ACDF and is used to treat chronic pain, nerve compression and/or instability that originates in the cervical spine. This procedure is typically recommended when cervical spine conditions do not respond to conservative treatment options.
Although ACDF’s were historically performed with an open incision, at OSS Health our advanced technology and training allow most ACDF’s to be performed in a minimally invasive fashion. This means a much smaller incision is used, less surgical trauma occurs and recovery time is shortened.
The Board Certified Spine Surgeons at OSS Health are experts in Minimally Invasive Cervical Spinal Fusion procedures and have helped thousands of patients return to an active and healthy lifestyle following this procedure.
How is a Minimally Invasive Cervical Fusion (ACDF) Performed at OSS Health?
At OSS Health, an ACDF may be performed as either an inpatient or outpatient procedure based on your Spine Surgeons recommendation. If the procedure is performed on an inpatient basis, the hospital stay is usually only 1-2 days.
During an ACDF procedure:
- Incision. A small 1-2 inch incision is made in the front or back of the neck (depending upon your specific condition).
- Exposure. Muscles are gently retracted so the cervical spine can be viewed.
- Discectomy. Tiny instruments are used to carefully remove the damaged disc.
- Implant insertion. A bone graft packed spacer is inserted between adjacent vertebrae.
- Fusion. Small rods and/or plates and screws are used to fixate adjacent vertebrae.
Using our advanced minimally invasive techniques, there is very little surgical trauma and you are able to recover and return to normal activities shortly after surgery.