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Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Neck surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord using an anterior approach, a worn disc is removed from the neck to relieve nerve root pressure and pain, weakness, numbness, and tingling.
What is cervical discectomy with fusion?
The spine is a complex structure of discs, bones and joints. Over time, this structure can wear down and become unstable. This destabilisation can lead to pain in the back of your neck or down your arms.
It can also cause other problems, like loss of bladder control or numbness in your legs. Surgery may be necessary to stop the symptoms getting worse.
Need to know
This is a surgical procedure that combines a discectomy and insertion of a cage or piece of bone into the empty space left behind. The cage or piece of bone fuses with the vertebrae over time. Bone taken from the hip or artificial bone in the cage itself can be used to help fusion occur.
If you suffer from pain, weakness or numbness in your neck, arms and legs, a spinal disc may be pressing on spinal nerve roots. Your consultant may recommend a cervical discectomy to remove the problem disc from your neck, relieving the pressure on your spinal nerve root.
Your consultant will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have. Because general anaesthetic is used during the procedure, you may need to fast for several hours before the operation.
Your consultant will tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.
After your surgery, you may need to wear a semi-rigid cervical collar when sitting and moving. The surgical wound is closed with sutures and clean dressings, which remain in place for a few days. At this point, the wound can be left uncovered.
You won't be able to drive for two weeks after your operation, as you'll have limited mobility and won't be able to view mirrors properly.
Anterior Cervical discectomy and fusion is successful in relieving arm pain in the majority of cases (90-100%). However arm numbness or weakness may continue for months afterwards.
Neck pain is also relieved but ACDF is more effective in treating arm pain.
Our Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road London W1T 7HA
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street London W1W 5AH
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
30 Devonshire Street London W1G 6PU
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place London W1U 5NY
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, London SW1W 8RH
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients
15 - 17 Lodge Road London NW8 7JA
Chelsea Outpatients - 280 King's Road
280 King's Road London SW3 5AW
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
Golders Green Outpatients
Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre London NW11 9PY
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.