WHAT IS AN ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY (DECOMPRESSION) AND FUSION?

An anterior cervical discectomy (decompression) and fusion (ACDF) is an operation through the front of the neck to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves, as well as to stabilise the spine.
It is abbreviated to ‘ACDF’, with each letter standing for:

WHY MIGHT I NEED AN ANTERIOR CERVICAL DISCECTOMY (DECOMPRESSION) AND FUSION?

Spine surgery may be needed for a variety of reasons. Generally, surgery is be performed to treat degenerative disorders, trauma, instability of the spine, or tumours.

An ACDF is usually performed for one or more of the following reasons:

1. To treat pressure on the spinal cord (caused by a prolapsed or ruptured disc, or other causes of spinal canal narrowing)
2. To treat pressure on one or more spinal nerve roots (caused by a disc prolapse or rupture, or foraminal stenosis or narrowing)
3. To treat instability of the cervical spine (from degeneration, arthritis, or trauma)

Surgery is usually recommended when extensive conservative measures (pain medications, nerve sheath injections, physical therapies, neck collars etc.) have failed, or if the degree of spinal compression is severe. In cases of significant instability or neurological problems, surgery may be the most appropriate first treatment option.

WHAT EXACTLY IS WRONG WITH MY NECK?

The spinal canal and intervertebral foraminae are bony tunnels in the spine through which run the spinal cord and spinal nerves (nerve roots) respectively. They protect the nerves and spinal cord by providing a safe path for them to travel. But when the size of these tunnels is reduced, there is less room for the spinal nerves and/or spinal cord, leading to pressure on these structures.

Symptoms of neural (nerve or spinal cord) compression include pain, aching, stiffness, numbness, tingling sensations, and weakness. Spinal nerves branch out to service the whole body, and so these symptoms may radiate into other parts of the body. For example, cervical nerve root compression (pinched nerves in the neck) can cause symptoms in the shoulders, arms, and hands.

WHICH CONDITIONS CAN CAUSE PRESSURE ON THE NERVES OR SPINAL CORD?

Conditions that can cause nerve root compression include spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, a bulging or prolapsed intervertebral disc, bony spurs (osteophytes), or spondylosis (osteoarthritis of the spine). Commonly, two or more of these conditions are seen together.

WHAT ARE DISCS AND OSTEOPHYTES? HOW DO THEY CAUSE PROBLEMS WITH MY NECK

Intervertebral discs sit between each bone (vertebrae) in the spine. They act as shock absorbers as well as allowing normal movement between the bones in your neck. Each disc has a strong outer ring of fibres (annulus fibrosis), and a soft jelly-like central portion (nucleus pulposis). The annulus is the toughest part of the disc, and connects each vertebral bone. The soft and juicy nucleus of the disc serves as the main shock absorber. An annular tear is where the annulus fibrosis is torn, often the first event in the process of disc prolapse. An annular tear can cause neck pain with or without arm pain. A cervical disc prolapse (or herniation) occurs when the nucleus pulposis escapes from its usual position and bulges into the spinal canal, sometimes placing pressure on the nerves or spinal cord.

In degenerative disc disease the discs or cushion pads between your vertebrae shrink, causing wearing of the disc, which may lead to herniation. You may also have osteoarthritic areas in your spine. This degeneration and osteoarthritis can cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness from pressure on the spinal nerves and/or spinal cord.

Osteophytes are abnormal bony spurs which form as part of the degenerative process or following a longstanding disc prolapse. This extra bone formation can cause spinal stenosis as well as intervertebral foraminal stenosis, resulting in compression of the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves.

WHAT ABOUT TRAUMA AND INSTABILITY?

As the neck is so flexible (it has to be to perform its usual functions), it is vulnerable to serious injury. Significant trauma can cause a fracture and or dislocation of the cervical spine. In a severe injury the spinal cord may also be damaged. Patients with a fractures and/or dislocations, especially with spinal cord damage, frequently require surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and stabilize the spine.

Instability of the neck may cause neck pain as well as neural compression. This may be the result of trauma, rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, tumour or infection. Instability frequently mandates surgical stabilisation.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO AN ACDF?

A number of alternatives to an ACDF may exist, depending upon your individual circumstances. These include:

1. Pain medications. A number of medications may be useful for pain. These include the standard opioid and non-opioid analgesic agents, membrane stabilising agents and anticonvulsants, as well as Pregabalin. Special medical treatments such as Ketamine infusions may be appropriate in some situations.
2. Nerve sheath injections. Local anaesthetic may be injected through the skin of the neck, under CT scan guidance, around the compressed nerve. This is also known as a ‘foraminal block’. Patients frequently obtain a significant benefit from this procedure, and surgery can sometimes be delayed or even avoided. Unfortunately, the benefit obtained from this procedure is usually only temporary, and it tends to wear off after several days, weeks, or sometimes months. This procedure is also an excellent diagnostic tool, especially when the MRI scan suggests that multiple nerves are compressed and your neurosurgeon would like to know exactly which nerve is causing your symptoms.
3. Physical therapies. These include physiotherapy, osteopathy, hydrotherapy and massage.
4. Activity modification. Sometimes simply modifying your workplace and recreational activities, to avoid heavy lifting and repetitive neck or arm movements, allows the healing process to occur more quickly.
5. Other surgical approaches. These include foraminotomy, posterior cervical decompression (laminectomy) with or without fusion, and an artificial disc replacement (also known as disc arthroplasty). You should discuss these alternatives, together with their potential risks and benefits, with your neurosurgeon.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF SURGERY?

The main goals of cervical spine surgery are to make you feel better. These include the relief of pain, numbness, tingling and weakness; the restoration of nerve function; prevention of abnormal motion in the spine; correction of spinal deformity (which may be painful).

The rationale, aims, and potential benefits of an ACDF may therefore include:

• Relief of neural compression
• Pain alleviation
• Medication reduction
• Prevention of deterioration
• Stabilisation of the spine and protection of the spinal cord and nerves from damage

Generally, the symptom that improves the most reliably after surgery is arm pain. Neck pain and headaches often improve but they may not (very occasionally they can be worse). The next symptom to improve is usually weakness. Your strength may not return completely back to normal, however. Improvement in strength generally occurs over weeks and months. Numbness or pins and needles may or may not improve with surgery, due to the fact that the nerve fibres transmitting sensation are thinner and more vulnerable to pressure (they are more easily permanently damaged than the other nerve fibres). Numbness can take up to 12 months to improve.

The chance of obtaining a significant benefit from surgery depends upon a wide variety of factors. Your neurosurgeon will give you an indication of the likelihood of success in your specific case.

WHAT IS REVISION SURGERY AND HOW DOES IT DIFFER?

Revision surgery is surgery after a previous spinal surgical procedure. Such procedures may include operating on both the front and back of the neck.

The risk of complications from cervical spine revision surgery is significantly higher than in first-time procedures. This is due to a number of factors. It is also more difficult to relieve pain and restore function in revision surgery. It is important be aware that the possibility of experiencing long-term neck pain is increased with revision surgery. Make sure your neurosurgeon is very experienced, particularly if you are undergoing revision surgery.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES IF TREATMENT IS NOT UNDERTAKEN?

If your condition is not treated appropriately (and sometimes even if it is), the possible outcomes may include:

• Ongoing pain
• Paralysis/weakness/numbness
• Functional impairment (clumsiness, poor fine motor skills and coordination)
• Problems with walking and balance

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC RISKS OF AN ACDF?

Generally, surgery is fairly safe and major complications are uncommon. The chance of a minor complication is less than 3 or 4%, and the risk of a major complication is less than 1 or 2%. Over 90% of patients should come through their surgery without complications. Complication rates vary from one surgeon to the next, and seeking a second opinion before undergoing surgery is very sensible.

The specific risks of an ACDF include (but are not limited to):

• Fail to benefit symptoms or to prevent deterioration
• Worsening of pain/weakness/numbness
• Infection
• Blood clot in wound requiring urgent surgery to relieve pressure
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
• Surgery at incorrect level (this is rare, as X-rays are used during surgery to confirm the level)
• Blood transfusion, which is rare in cervical spine surgery
• Oesophageal injury (food pipe leak), a very uncommon complication
• Hoarse voice
• Swallowing difficulties
• Droopy eye (Horner’s syndrome)
• Implant failure, movement, or malposition
• Recurrent disc prolapse or nerve compression
• Nerve damage (weakness, numbness, pain) occurs in less than 1%
• Quadriplegia (paralysed arms and legs)
• Incontinence (loss of bowel/bladder control)
• Impotence (loss of erections)
• Failure to fuse/pseudoarthrosis ( risk higher in smokers and in those having >1 level fused)
• Chronic pain
• Instability (may require further surgery)
• Stroke (loss of movement, speech etc)
• Adjacent level disease (see below)

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF ANAESTHESIA AND THE GENERAL RISKS OF SURGERY?

Having a general anesthetic is generally fairly safe, and the risk of a major catastrophe is extremely low.

Having a general anesthetic is generally fairly safe, and the risk of a major catastrophe is extremely low. All types of surgery carry certain risks, many of which are included in the list below:

• Significant scarring (‘keloid’)
• Wound breakdown
• Drug allergies
• DVT (‘economy class syndrome’)
• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in lungs)
• Chest and urinary tract infections
• Pressure injuries to nerves in arms and legs
• Eye or teeth injuries
• Myocardial infarction (‘heart attack’)
• Stroke
• Loss of life
• Other rare complications

WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS OF SURGERY?

Most patients are admitted on the same day as their surgery; however some patients are admitted the day before. Patients admitted the day before surgery include those who: live in country regions, interstate, or overseas; have complex medical conditions or who take blood thinning medications or anticoagulants; require further investigations before their surgery; or are first on the operating list for the day. You will be given instructions about when to stop eating and drinking before your admission.

Typically you will be in hospital for 1-2 days after your surgery. You will be given instructions about any physical restrictions that will apply following surgery, and how to look after your incision

X-rays of your neck will be taken during surgery to make sure that the correct spinal level is being fused, and also to optimise the positioning of cages, screws and plates. It is critical that you inform us if you are pregnant or think you could possibly be pregnant, as X-rays may be harmful to the unborn child.

There is significant variability between patients in terms of the outcome from surgery, as well as the time taken to recover. You will be given instructions about physical restrictions, as well as your return to work and resumption of recreational activities. You should not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery until instructed to do so by your neurosurgeon.

You should not sign or witness legal documents until reviewed by your GP post-operatively, as the anaesthetic can sometimes temporarily muddle your thinking.

An important issue relating to spinal fusion is that by fusing level of the spine, slightly increased stress is placed upon the levels directly above and below the fusion. This increases the risk of degeneration at these levels and, therefore, the possibility that you may need further surgery in the future. The risk of this is thought to be 3% or less per year. You should discuss this issue further with your neurosurgeon.

Fusion of the cervical spine results in a degree of loss of movement in the neck, mainly in terms of bending your neck forwards and backwards. For a one level fusion, this loss of movement is usually barely noticeable (if at all). There is usually a small but definite loss of movement following a two level fusion, with more significant loss of movement following a three or four level fusion.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO TELL THE DOCTOR BEFORE SURGERY?

• It is important that you tell your surgeon if you:
• Have blood clotting or bleeding problems
• Have ever had blood clots in your legs (DVT or deep venous thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary emboli)
• Are taking aspirin, warfarin or other anticoagulants, or anything else (even some herbal supplements) that might thin your blood
• Have high blood pressure
• Have any allergies
• Have any other health problems

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE SURGERY?

Before you surgery it is imperative that you stop smoking, and you should not smoke for at least 12 months after (it is preferable that you cease permanently). Smoking impairs the fusion process and leads to worse outcomes following surgery.
If you are fairly overweight, it is advisable that you engage in a sensible weight loss program before you surgery. Please discuss this with your GP and neurosurgeon.
Before surgery, we typically recommend prehabilitation with one of our exercise physiologists. This is to get you in the best shape possible for surgery and to prepare you for post-operative rehabilitation.
In order to prevent unwanted bleeding during or after surgery, it is critical that you stop taking aspirin, and any other antiplatelet (blood-thinning) medications or substances including herbal remedies at least 2 weeks before your surgery.
If you normally take warfarin or other anticoagulants, you may be admitted to hospital 3 or 4 days before your surgery. Your warfarin will be ceased at that time (it takes a few days to wear off) and you may be commenced on shorter-acting anti-clotting agents for a few days. These can then be stopped a day or so before surgery. Your preparation if taking other anticoagulants may be different to this, and your neurosurgeon and perioperative physician will advise.
Ideally, you should take a Zinc tablet a day, commencing one month before surgery, and continuing for 3 months after. This should help wound healing.

WILL I NEED FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS?

Most patients will have had X-rays of their neck, as well as a CT scan and MRI. Sometimes ‘dynamic’ X-rays or MRI scans of the cervical spine are performed, with these taken bending the neck forwards and backwards; this is to determine the presence and site of any instability and unexpected spinal compression in certain positions.
In some patients there is uncertainty either about the diagnosis or exactly which disc or discs in the neck are responsible for their symptoms: in those patients, nerve conduction studies and/or a nerve block may shed light on the diagnostic issues.
If you have not had an MRI for over 12 months before your surgery, or if your symptoms have changed significantly since your most recent MRI, then this investigation will usually need to be repeated to make sure that there are no surprises at the time of surgery!

WHO WILL PERFORM SURGERY? WHO ELSE WILL BE INVOLVED?

Surgery will be carried out by your highly skilled Precision Brain Spine and Pain Centre neurosurgeon. A surgical assistant will be present and an experienced consultant anaesthetist will be responsible for your general anaesthetic.

HOW IS AN ACDF PERFORMED?

A general anaesthetic will be administered to put you to sleep. A breathing tube (‘endotracheal tube’) will be inserted and intravenous antibiotics and steroids injected (to prevent infection and post-operative nausea). Calf compression devices will be used throughout surgery to minimise the risk of developing blood clots in your legs.

Your skin will be cleaned with antiseptic solution and some local anaesthetic will be injected.

The skin incision is about 2-2.5cm across the front of your neck. It is usually horizontal and can be made to the left or right hand side of the neck. The thin muscle immediately beneath the skin is split. Dissection is then performed along the natural planes of the neck, going between the food pipe and wind pipe on one side, and the carotid artery (a major blood vessel to the brain) on the other.
The thin layer of fibrous tissue (‘fascia’) that covers the front of the spine is dissected away from the disc space. A needle is inserted into the disc space and an x-ray is performed to confirm that the correct disc is being operated upon.

The disc is then removed (discectomy) by first cutting the outer annulus fibrosis (fibrous ring around the disc) and removing the nucleus pulposus (the soft inner core of the disc). The dissection is performed using a microscope or special surgical magnifying glasses (‘loupes’) to aid with visualization of the canal and nerves.

Disc removal is performed using a combination of special instruments. Adjacent bone is often removed using a fine drill; this is done to recontour the disc space for later fusion, to provide safe access to the spinal canal, and to allow removal of extra bone growth (‘osteophytes’) at the back of the disc space.

A ligament (‘posterior longitudinal ligament’) directly in front of the spinal cord is gently removed to allow access to the spinal canal to remove any disc material that may have extruded through the ligament.

Each nerve root (when appropriate) is identified and carefully decompressed (this is known as a ‘rhizolysis’).

The residual space can be replaced with a cage made out of PEEK, carbon fibre, or titanium. The cage is typically filled with a combination of bone shavings and granules of tricalcium phosphate, or allograft (bone taken from other patients during hip and knee replacements). Bone eventually grows through the cage and ideally will join or fuse the vertebrae together (fusion). It usually takes up to 12 months for the vertebrae to completely fuse.

In some cases, instrumentation (screws with or without a plate) will also be used to add stability to the spine.

Another X-ray is performed to confirm satisfactory cage, plate and screw positioning, as well as cervical spine alignment.

The wound is closed with dissolving sutures. In some cases a wound drain may be used for around 24 hours post-operatively.

WHAT HAPPENS IMMEDIATELY AFTER SURGERY?

It is usual to feel some pain after surgery, especially at the incision site. Pain medications are usually given to help control the pain. While tingling sensations or numbness is common, and should lessen over time, they should be reported to your neurosurgeon.

Most patients are up and moving around within a few hours of surgery. In fact, this is encouraged in order to keep circulation normal and avoid blood clot formation in the legs.

You will be able to drink after 4 hours, and should be able to eat a small amount later in the day. It is common to experience swallowing problems after surgery, and this is usually worst on days 2-4 post-operatively. These swallowing problems typically settle over several weeks, but it may take longer.

You will have X-rays or a CT scan a day or so after surgery, and can be discharged home when you are comfortable.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER DISCHARGE?

You should be ready for discharge from hospital 1-2 days after surgery. Your GP should check your wounds 4 days after discharge. If your sutures are dissolving they do not require removal; if staples are used then they should be removed 12 days post-op (typically by a nurse at your GP’s office or at Precision Brain Spine and Pain Centre).

You will need to take it easy for 6 weeks, but should walk for at least an hour every day. 

Bear in mind that the amount of time it takes to return to normal activities is different for every patient. Discomfort should decrease a little each day. Increases in energy and activity are signs that your post-operative recovery is progressing well. Maintaining a positive attitude, a healthy and well-balanced diet, and ensuring plenty of rest are excellent ways to speed up your recovery.

Signs of infection such as swelling, redness or discharge from the incision, and fever should be brought to the surgeon’s attention immediately.

A firm neck brace (‘Aspen collar’) is only occasionally used after surgery. This is worn for 6 weeks if a plate is not placed during surgery (plates are avoided whenever possible due to a risk that they might cause persistent swallowing problems). If a plate or screws are used at surgery, the collar is generally not required. You cannot drive a motor vehicle while you are wearing the collar, and should also avoid driving for at least 2 weeks after surgery if you are not wearing a collar. You should not drive a motor vehicle or operate heavy machinery until your neurosurgeon gives you the go-ahead.

You will be reviewed after 6-8 weeks by your neurosurgeon. Until then, you should not lift objects weighing more than 2-3kg, and should not engage in repetitive neck or arm movements.

Smoking and anti-inflammatory medications impair fusion. Smoking should be avoided for at least 12 months after surgery, and anti-inflammatory medications can be used for a couple of weeks in the early post-operative period only.

You should continue wearing your TED stockings for a couple of weeks after surgery.
Detailed discharge instructions are as follows:

WHAT DO I NEED TO TELL MY SURGEON ABOUT AFTER THE OPERATION?

You should notify your neurosurgeon and should also see your GP if you experience any of the following after discharge from hospital:
• Increasing arm or leg pain, weakness or numbness
• Worsening neck pain
• Increasing swallowing problems
• Problems with your walking or balance
• Fever
• Swelling, redness, increased temperature or suspected infection of the wound
• Leakage of fluid from the wound
• Pain or swelling in your calf muscles (ie. below your knees)
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Any other concerns

WHAT ARE THE RESULTS OF SURGERY?

Overall, around 90% of patients will obtain a significant benefit from surgery, and this is usually maintained in the long term.
Generally, the symptom that improves the most reliably after surgery is arm pain. Neck pain and headaches may or may not improve (very occasionally they can be worse). The next symptom to improve is usually weakness. Your strength may not return completely back to normal, however. Improvement in strength generally occurs over weeks and months. Numbness or pins and needles may or may not improve with surgery, due to the fact that the nerve fibres transmitting sensation are thinner and more vulnerable to pressure (they are more easily permanently damaged than the other nerve fibres). Numbness can take up to 12 months to improve.

MY ARM PAIN HAS COME BACK AFTER SURGERY-SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

Recurrent arm pain after surgery is common, and typically occurs a few days or a week after your operation as the nerve swells, gets inflamed from blood products, or settles into its new position. This type of recurrent arm pain generally settles over a number of weeks and is nothing to worry about. If your arm pain did not improve at all after surgery, then further investigations may be required to confirm that the nerve is decompressed and to rule out other potential sources of pain.

MY NECK PAIN IS WORSE AFTER SURGERY-SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

Increased neck pain after surgery is fairly common, and usually settles over several months, particularly with physiotherapy or exercise physiology. It is generally nothing to worry about. If your neck pain progressively worsens rather than improves after surgery, then further investigations may be needed to rule out infection, movement of the cage, or instability.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF SURGERY?

Private patients undergoing surgery will generally have some out-of-pocket expenses.
A quotation for surgery will be issued, however this is an estimate only. The final amount charged may vary with the eventual procedure undertaken, operative findings, technical issues etc. Patients are advised to consult with their Private Health Insurance provider and Medicare to determine the extent of out-of-pocket expenses.
Separate accounts will be rendered by the anaesthetist and sometimes the assistant, and hospital bed excess charges may apply. Medical expenses may be tax deductible (you should ask your accountant).
You should fully understand the costs involved with surgery before going ahead, and should discuss any queries with your surgeon or the admin team at Precision Brain Spine and Pain Centre.

WHAT IS THE CONSENT PROCESS?

You will be asked to sign a consent form before surgery. This form confirms that you understand all of the treatment options, as well as the risks and potential benefits of surgery. If you are unsure, you should ask for further information and only sign the form when you are completely satisfied.