Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: a same-day surgery to treat nerve pain

Nerve pain in the neck, medically referred to as cervical radiculopathy, is a common spine related condition. Symptoms can include radiating pain, numbness, or even weakness into the shoulder, arm and hand.

When these symptoms don’t improve with conservative treatment, surgery is an option with very predictable results. Performed through a small incision in the front of the neck, an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion involves removing disc material and bone that compresses a nerve or the spinal cord. In order to maintain stability, a bone spacer is inserted in place of the disc. Typically a small titanium plate and screws are also inserted to ensure proper bone healing.

The surgery takes about an hour and most patients are mobilized with a few hours of the surgery. Most patients are able to go home the same day after a few hours of recovery.

There are many videos of the procedure on YouTube.com. Below, you can find an animated version of the surgery.