Neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness can significantly affect your quality of life. When these symptoms are caused by nerve or spinal cord compression in the cervical spine and do not improve with conservative treatment, your spine specialist may recommend Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). This guide explains what ACDF is, why it is performed, what to expect before and after surgery, and how it can help relieve pain and restore function.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck).
Anterior means the surgeon approaches the spine from the front of the neck.
Discectomy refers to removal of the damaged or herniated disc.
Fusion means stabilizing the spine by joining two vertebrae together using a bone graft and, often, a small plate and screws.
ACDF is one of the most commonly performed cervical spine surgeries and has a long track record of safety and effectiveness.
Your surgeon may recommend ACDF if imaging and symptoms show nerve or spinal cord compression caused by:
Cervical disc herniation
Degenerative disc disease
Cervical spinal stenosis
Bone spurs (osteophytes)
Cervical radiculopathy (arm pain, numbness, tingling)
Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression causing balance or coordination issues)
ACDF is typically considered when non-surgical treatments—such as physical therapy, medications, or injections—have failed to provide lasting relief.
Neck pain
Arm pain or “shooting” pain down the arm
Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
Weakness in the shoulders, arms, or hands
Loss of coordination or balance (in myelopathy cases)
Many patients experience rapid relief of arm pain following surgery.
ACDF is performed under general anesthesia.
A small incision is made in the front of the neck, typically along a natural skin crease. This approach allows the surgeon to reach the spine while gently moving aside muscles, the esophagus, and the trachea—minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues.
The damaged disc is removed to relieve pressure on the nerves or spinal cord. Bone spurs may also be removed.
A spacer or bone graft is placed between the vertebrae to restore disc height and stability. A small plate and screws are often added to promote fusion.
The incision is closed, usually leaving a minimal scar.
Effective relief of arm and neck pain
Decompression of spinal nerves and spinal cord
Improved strength, sensation, and function
Stabilization of the cervical spine
High long-term success rates
Often performed as a same-day or overnight procedure
Many patients go home the same day or after a one-night hospital stay.
Mild throat soreness or difficulty swallowing is common initially
Walking is encouraged shortly after surgery
Light activities can usually resume within days
Some patients may need a soft or hard cervical collar for a short period, depending on the surgeon’s preference and number of levels fused.
Desk work: 2–4 weeks
Physically demanding work: 6–12 weeks
Bone fusion typically occurs over 3–6 months, with continued healing up to one year.
While ACDF is generally safe, potential risks include:
Infection
Bleeding
Nerve or spinal cord injury (rare)
Hoarseness or swallowing difficulty (usually temporary)
Failure of fusion (nonunion)
Adjacent segment degeneration over time
Your surgeon will discuss how these risks are minimized using modern techniques.
You may be a candidate for ACDF if:
You have persistent neck or arm pain
Neurological symptoms are worsening
Imaging confirms cervical disc or nerve compression
Non-surgical treatments have failed
Symptoms interfere with daily life or work
In some cases, alternatives such as cervical disc replacement may be considered. Your spine specialist will help determine the best procedure based on your anatomy, diagnosis, age, and activity level.
Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a proven, effective solution for relieving nerve and spinal cord compression in the neck. With modern surgical techniques and careful patient selection, ACDF can significantly reduce pain, restore function, and improve overall quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent neck or arm symptoms, a consultation with a spine specialist like Dr. Remi Ajiboye can help determine whether ACDF is right for you.
Remi M. Ajiboye M.D. is considered one of the best board-certified spine surgeons in Los Angeles who is trained in non-surgical and surgical management of spine conditions. He has advanced training in minimally-invasive spine surgery and complex spinal reconstruction. Dr Remi Ajiboye serves Torrance, El Segundo, Long Beach, and the surrounding communities of South Bay, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Lomita, San Pedro, Carson, Lawndale, Gardena, Hawthorne, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Culver City, Inglewood, Ladera Heights, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Los Alamitos, Westminster, Garden Grove, Lakewood, Cerritos, Bellflower, Downey, Paramount, Bellflower, Norwalk, Whittier, Santa Fe Springs, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange, Tustin, Fullerton, Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and greater Los Angeles county and Orange County. Contact Remi Ajiboye, MD, online or over the phone to set up an appointment.
