Anterior Cervical Discetomy and Fusion

Overview

This surgery removes a herniated or diseased disc and relieves neck and radiating arm pain caused by parts of the disc pressing on nerve roots.

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Incision Created

The surgeon performs this procedure through an incision on the front of the neck.

Disc Removed

The diseased or damaged disc is removed. As pressure is removed from the pinched nerve roots, pain is relieved.

Graft Inserted

The space above and below the removed disc is cleared and prepared for a bone graft. The graft is placed between the vertebrae.

Metal Plate Attached

The surgeon may screw a small metal plate over the area to hold the bones in place while the vertebrae heal.

End of Procedure

During the healing process, the bone graft knits together with the vertebrae above and below to form a new bone mass called a fusion.