anterior cervical discetomy and fusion

crissinger · Silver Member Joined: 08 Aug 2000 Posts: 292

I have heard that anterior cervical discectomy and fusion might be procedure that is going to help me. I have degenerative disc disease, and this is a big problem to me. As discs naturally wear out, bone spurs form and the facet joints inflame, so the disc is dry out and shrink, losing flexibility and cushioning properties. I know my problem is that disc spaces get smaller. These changes lead to stenosis so I need something to help me, and I was thinking if you might tell me about this procedure.

yolane · Silver Member Joined: 02 Jan 2002 Posts: 271

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure performed to treat a damaged disc. Usually it has been done to treat disc in the neck area of the spine. Doctor may recommend a discectomy if physical therapy or medication fails to help relieve your neck or arm pain. This pain usually is caused by inflamed and compressed spinal nerves. ACDF is used to treat conditions that require this kind of improvement, and such a problem as you have. You should know that this surgery requires a hospital stay from one to 3 days and recovery time takes between 4 to 6 weeks. I also think you need to know that anterior cervical discectomy and fusion literally means cutting out the disc. Anterior cervical discectomy is a surgical procedure that removes all or some of the disc; while anterior means that, your doctor reaches the damaged disc from the front of your neck. This is a more convenient approach than from the back or posterior of your neck. Depending on your particular case, one disc or more may be removed, but this is something that your doctor will decide.

stephoakes · Newbie Joined: 10 Sep 2006 Posts: 5

I just had the ACDF sugery 3-weeks ago. It went well, and my throat is fully recovered. My question is not knowing if the pain I am experiecing is "normal" part of the recovery? I have shooting pains, that feel nerve related. does anyone have any insight on this?

timetwofly · Newbie Joined: 11 Sep 2006 Posts: 3

KR · Newbie Joined: 06 Oct 2006 Posts: 2

Hi,

I am a 27 year old male, I suffered a sports injury almost 1 yr ago, i have a herniated disc on my left side between c6 - c7, at first i suffered pain and thought had a pulled muscle in my back, 5 months ago i had an MRI which showed the disc herniation. The symptoms i suffered were as follows:

pain in between shoulder blades, triceps locking, pins and neddles/numbness in the tip of my fingers, shooting pain in both forearms and the tips of both fingers when sneezing or coughing, weakness in my left hand, i could'nt use a nail clippers, co-ordination problems with my left hand, shakes.

All of these symptoms have gradually gone away, i still have slight twitching in my muscles and and very very slight sensitivity in my left hand, sometimes my left hand shakes, not badly, just looks like i had a heavy drinking session the night before.

I feel i have being forced towards surgery, i never had any manipulation or physio, everything was focused on surgery.

I am due for acdf next month and i am wondering is it worth getting another MRI to see if the disc returned into place? Can this happen?

Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

KR

cristyg · Newbie Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 2

Melindafm · Newbie Joined: 22 Oct 2006 Posts: 7

Does anyone use a TENS unit for the pain after the fusion? I have a unit now that I use for the pain. I am scheduled for surgery 11/30/06 and would like to know if anyone has used a TENS unit after surgery?

3rdGradeTeach · Newbie Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Posts: 4

I have been treated for the last 4 months for cervical radiculopathy. I have been experiencing excrucitating pain for the last two weeks because of this. I was hospitalized last week because of acute pain with this. I found out I won't be able to have ACDF surgery for two more weeks because of this doctor's schedule. I can't go to work because of the pain. I am taking percocet and neurontin to help control the pain and work on the nerve pain, but it just barely takes the edge off. Anyone have any suggestions to help? I am looking forward to the surgery just to be pain free for a little while.

spurlocklr · Newbie Joined: 16 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

The first week of Oct. I woke with a stiff neck, went to the doctor and she did an X-ray and did not like what she saw, so she sent me for an MRI. Diagnosis was Severe Stenosis at C5 & C6, that is squeezing my spinal cord. Now here is the hard part...I have had no symptoms whatsoever, this was all a complete surprise. After 3 opinions I am scheduled for the surgery 11-28, but I am terrified by the posts that the cure maybe worse than what I am feeling right now, which is nothing. I was told by 2 neurosurgeons and 1 ortho that I was way past PT, and that only surgery would help. I would really like some answers.

Linda

sobeys1 · Newbie Joined: 18 Nov 2006 Posts: 1

10 years ago I had cervical fusion on my C4 and C5 discs.Yes ,it was more painful at times after surgery than I thought.I do wish that my nuero surgeon would have told me that.Now ten years later I find that I have to have C6 andC7 operated on Nov 23).Am I looking forward to this ,no!!But I do know that the nerve pain I have every day is not fun either.I have learned to take one day at a time.To anyone having this done do not be afraid to ask questions.[/enc]

anterior cervical discetomy and fusion

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