Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is one of the most commonly performed and consistently successful spine surgeries. Through a small incision in the front of the neck, the damaged cervical disc is removed, the nerve is decompressed, and the vertebrae are fused — eliminating the source of neck and arm pain.
What Is ACDF?
ACDF is performed to treat cervical disc herniation or cervical spondylosis (degenerative disc disease) that is compressing a nerve root or the spinal cord. Patients typically experience neck pain combined with arm pain, numbness or tingling radiating into the hand or fingers, and sometimes weakness. When symptoms are severe or progressive, or when conservative measures have not provided adequate relief, surgery is often the most effective option.
The surgery is performed through a 1–2 inch incision on the front of the neck. Dr. Chavarria gently moves the strap muscles and structures aside to reach the spine directly without cutting through the neck muscles. The diseased disc and any compressing bone spurs are carefully removed under magnification. A cage filled with bone graft material is then placed to restore disc height, and a low-profile titanium plate is secured to the vertebrae to hold position while fusion occurs over the following 3–6 months.
ACDF can be performed at one, two, or three adjacent levels depending on where the disease is located. The procedure has an excellent long-term track record with high fusion rates (95%+) and sustained relief from both arm and neck symptoms in appropriately selected patients.
Are You a Candidate?
- Patients with cervical disc herniation causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness unresponsive to 6–12 weeks of conservative treatment
- Patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (spinal cord compression causing balance, coordination, or hand dexterity problems)
- Patients with multilevel cervical stenosis compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots
- Patients with progressive neurological deficits — weakness or myelopathy may warrant more urgent surgical evaluation
- Patients who have not responded to cervical steroid injections or physical therapy
What to Expect
Pre-operative: Dr. Chavarria will review your MRI and CT scans to plan the specific levels and implant selection. Pre-surgical bloodwork and medical clearance are completed before surgery.
Day of surgery: ACDF typically takes 1–2 hours per level under general anesthesia. The incision is hidden in a natural neck crease. Single and two-level procedures are often performed as same-day surgery; three or more levels typically require one overnight stay.
First 2 weeks: Many patients report less neck pain post-operatively than they expected. A cervical collar may be prescribed for 2–6 weeks. Swallowing and voice may be mildly affected for a few days as normal post-operative swelling resolves.
6 weeks to 6 months: X-rays at each follow-up confirm that fusion is progressing. Physical therapy for cervical strengthening and mobility typically begins at 6–8 weeks. Most patients return to light work within 2–4 weeks and more physical activity at 3–6 months.
Why Choose Dr. Chavarria for Your ACDF in Reno?
- Success rate exceeding 95% for relief of arm pain (radiculopathy)
- Direct anterior approach with no muscle cutting
- Can address multiple levels in a single surgery
- Titanium implants are permanent and MRI-compatible
- Fast recovery — many patients return to desk work in 2–4 weeks
- Relieves both radiating arm symptoms and neck pain simultaneously