Minimally Invasive Cervical Spine Surgery

What is ACDF, and how is it performed?

Cervical spine surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat various spinal conditions, including a herniated disc and other neck and/or spine-related issues.

This type of surgery is becoming increasingly popular due to its minimally invasive nature, leading to faster healing times, decreased hospital stay, and decreased blood loss. By using minimally invasive surgical techniques, surgeons are able to accurately target the affected area, resulting in more successful outcomes with quicker patient recovery.

Our board-certified spine specialists at OrthoNeuro are experts in minimally invasive cervical spinal fusion and have helped thousands of patients return to an active and healthy lifestyle following this procedure. Call one of our offices in Greater Columbus today to find out whether you would be a candidate for this procedure!

What is Minimally Invasive Cervical Spinal Fusion?

Minimally invasive cervical spinal fusion (also commonly referred to as an ACDF) is a procedure used to treat conditions affecting the spine—such as a herniated disc, compressive arthritis, or fracture—that are causing pain or nerve damage. It is sometimes referred to as “microdiscectomy” and may be recommended if other treatments have failed to relieve chronic pain or instability due to damaged discs.

The goal of this surgery is to stabilize the cervical spine/or relieve the pressure being applied to the spinal nerves by fusing two bones together.

Although ACDFs were historically performed with an open incision, at OrthoNeuro our advanced technology and training allow most ACDFs to be performed in a minimally invasive fashion.

This means a much smaller incision is used, less surgical trauma occurs and recovery time is shortened.

Who is a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Cervical Spinal Fusion?

Minimally invasive spinal fusion is an option for patients experiencing pain or other symptoms due to degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, bone spurs, and certain traumatic injuries. It can also be used to address instability in the spine caused by disc degeneration or injury.

Candidates for minimally invasive spinal fusion often present with pain and neurologic dysfunction related to nerve root or spinal cord compression that is progressive or interferes with daily activities.

Before recommending you for a minimally invasive cervical discectomy (with or without fusion) procedure surgery, your surgeon will consider several factors, such as your health condition, age, lifestyle, and anticipated level of activity following surgery.

Your surgeon will also examine your spine, medical history, and imaging results of cervical vertebrae, such as X-ray, CT scan, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Surgery is usually recommended only after non-surgical treatment approaches fail, unless progressive deficits or evidence of severe spinal cord compression are present.

How Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Works

During this surgical procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision and use special instruments to reach the disc space between two vertebrae. Using a microscope, your surgeon will then decompress your spinal cord and associated nerve roots to relieve compression. Your surgeon will then insert bone grafts to create bridges across the damaged discs of the spine.

These bridges eventually fuse together to provide support and stability for the spine, reducing pain and restoring function. This method reduces tissue trauma and blood loss and speeds up recovery time compared to traditional open surgery techniques.

Afterward, patients typically wear a neck brace for several weeks while recovering from surgery before resuming their everyday activities.

What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally invasive cervical spine surgery has many potential benefits, including:

A shorter hospital stay
Less scarring and pain
Faster recovery time with decreased risk of blood loss
Improved stability in the neck region
Less post-operative discomfort compared to traditional open cervical fusion surgeries
Patients usually find that they can return to their daily activities much sooner after the procedure than with more traditional methods

What Are the Risks of Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion?

Minimally invasive cervical spinal fusion surgery is a safe and effective procedure. However, patients should be aware of the potential risks associated with this type of operation before undergoing it. It is important to speak with your doctor about all possible side effects before making any decisions about the surgery.

The risks involved in minimally invasive cervical spinal fusion surgery include:

Infection
Nerve damage
Stroke
Bleeding
Blood clots

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery?

Generally, recovery from cervical spinal fusion takes between 6-12 weeks. The length of time required to recover depends on several factors, including the severity of the patient’s condition before surgery, the number of levels affected, their overall health, and any existing medical conditions.

Some cervical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon will discuss with you if you are fit for an outpatient procedure. This will depend on the complexity of the surgery as well as your other medical conditions.

If staying in the hospital, it takes about 1-2 days for patients to be discharged after having undergone cervical spinal fusion. During this time in the hospital, doctors monitor the patient’s progress and provide any additional treatment if necessary.

After your surgery, you will follow up with your surgeon in the clinic in a few weeks’ time. After being directed by your surgical provider, you will begin physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, which will speed up your recovery. Patients can expect to start physical therapy a few weeks after their procedure and should attend physical therapy sessions regularly until they gain full mobility.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Spine Surgeon Today!

If you have been considering a minimally invasive cervical spinal fusion, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified spine specialists at OrthoNeuro. We have many convenient locations throughout Columbus, OH.

We will evaluate your unique lifestyle and goals to determine which type of treatment is best for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Medically reviewed by Braden J. Passias, DO

Sources

Spine Care Specialists

IF YOU LIVE WITH CHRONIC BACK OR NECK PAIN, CONTACT ORTHONEURO IN COLUMBUS, OHIO, FOR STATE-OF-THE-ART DIAGNOSIS AND PERSONALIZED SPINE CARE TREATMENT PLANS TO HEAL YOUR SPINE, RELIEVE YOUR PAIN, AND HELP YOU GET BACK TO YOUR REGULAR ACTIVITIES.