Specialized Spine Care in Colorado Springs

Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) in Colorado Springs, CO

Neck pain, arm pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness caused by a herniated cervical disc or spinal nerve compression can significantly affect your quality of life. At Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group, our experienced spine specialists offer Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), an advanced surgical procedure designed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots while restoring stability to the cervical spine.

ACDF is one of the most commonly performed and successful procedures for treating cervical disc herniation, cervical radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. By removing the damaged disc and stabilizing the affected vertebrae, this procedure can help reduce pain, improve nerve function, and restore daily activity levels.

Patients throughout Colorado Springs, Monument, Falcon, Fountain, Woodland Park, and surrounding communities trust our team for comprehensive spine care and personalized treatment plans designed to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Spinal conditions can affect your neck, back, movement, and overall quality of life. Pain, stiffness, numbness, or weakness can make it difficult to work, exercise, sleep, or perform everyday activities.

CSOG provides comprehensive care for a wide range of conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Our specialists use a conservative-first approach whenever appropriate, with treatment options that may include physical therapy, medications, injections, and other nonsurgical treatments. When surgery is necessary, advanced surgical techniques may provide another option.

Your care begins with a thorough evaluation to understand the source of your symptoms and how they are affecting you. We then develop a treatment plan based on your condition, goals, and individual needs.

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Disease Overview

The vertebrae of the backbone are cushioned by intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers and allow frictionless movement of your back. It is made up of a soft gel-like center called the nucleus pulposus that is surrounded by a tough outer ring of annulus fibrosus. A herniated disc is a condition in which the nucleus pulposus bulges out through the damaged or broken annulus fibrosus. This puts pressure on the neural structures, such as nerve roots and/or the spinal cord. Besides, bony outgrowths, also known as bone spurs or bone osteophytes, are formed due to the accumulation of calcium in the spine joints. The pressure induced by a herniated disc or bone spur on nerve roots, ligaments or the spinal cord may cause pain in the neck and/or arms, numbness or weakness in the arms, forearms or fingers, and lack of coordination.

As most nerves to the body (e.g., arms, chest, abdomen, and legs) pass through the neck region from the brain, pressure on the spinal cord in the neck region (cervical spine) can be very problematic.

What is Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is an operative procedure to relieve compression or pressure on nerve roots and/or the spinal cord due to a herniated disc or bone spur in the neck. The vertebra is approached from the front (anterior) of your neck.

Indications for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Anterior cervical discectomy with fusion is recommended only after non-surgical treatment approaches fail. Before recommending surgery, your surgeon considers several factors such as your health condition, age, lifestyle and anticipated level of activity following surgery.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Procedure

• Your surgeon makes a small incision in the front side of the neck and locates the source of neural compression (pressure zone).
• Then, the intervertebral disc that is compressing the nerve root will be removed partially or completely along with any bony material that is compressing or putting pressure on the nerves and producing pain.
• Spinal fusion implies placing a bone graft between the two affected vertebral bodies to encourage bone growth between the vertebrae.
• The bone graft acts as a medium for binding the two vertebral bones and grows as a single vertebra to stabilize the spine.
• It also helps to maintain the normal disc height. In certain instances, metal plates or pins may be used for providing support and stability and enabling the fusion of the vertebrae.

Postoperative Instructions Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

A specific postoperative recovery/exercise plan will be offered by your physician to help you return to normal activity at the earliest possible. The duration of hospital stay depends on this treatment plan. You will be able to wake up and walk by the end of the first day after the surgery and resume your work within 3-6 weeks, depending on your body’s healing status and the type of work/activity that you plan to resume.

Risks or Complications of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

In addition to the anesthetic complications, spinal surgery is associated with some potential risks such as infection, blood loss, blood clots, nerve damage, and bowel and bladder problems. Failure to fuse the vertebral bones with the bone graft (fusion failure) is an important complication of spinal fusion, which usually requires additional surgery.

Why Choose Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

At Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group, we understand that chronic neck pain and nerve-related symptoms can interfere with every aspect of daily life. Our fellowship-trained spine specialists utilize advanced diagnostic imaging, evidence-based surgical techniques, and individualized treatment plans to provide exceptional care before, during, and after surgery.

Reasons patients choose our practice include:

• Experienced orthopedic spine surgeons specializing in cervical spine procedures
• Comprehensive evaluation and conservative treatment options before surgery
• Advanced imaging and diagnostic technology for accurate treatment planning
• Personalized surgical and rehabilitation programs
• Focus on minimally invasive and tissue-preserving techniques whenever appropriate
• Coordinated postoperative care to support recovery and long-term spinal health
• Trusted spine care for patients throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado

Our goal is to help patients achieve meaningful pain relief, improved function, and a return to the activities they enjoy.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) FAQs

Schedule an ACDF Consultation in Colorado Springs

If neck pain, arm pain, numbness, or weakness is affecting your daily life, contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group today to schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists. We will evaluate your condition, discuss your treatment options, and help you determine whether Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion may be the right solution for you.

Take the next step toward lasting relief from cervical spine pain with expert ACDF care in Colorado Springs, CO.