ACDF (Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion)

What the procedure is

ACDF removes a degenerated or herniated cervical disc through an anterior (front-of-neck) approach and fuses the segment with a bone-graft-filled implant and, typically, a stabilising plate.

Why it is performed

It decompresses the affected nerve root or spinal cord and stabilises the segment, relieving arm pain, numbness or myelopathic symptoms.

Who may benefit

• Patients with cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy unresponsive to conservative treatment
• Patients with single or multi-level cervical disc disease causing significant symptoms

When it may not be appropriate

• Patients better suited to a motion-preserving disc replacement, where clinically appropriate
• Predominantly axial neck pain without a clear structural cause

Alternatives

• Cervical disc replacement, in suitable single-level cases
• Posterior cervical foraminotomy for select nerve-root-only compression
• Continued conservative treatment

How it is performed

Through a small anterior neck incision, the disc is removed, the nerve root or spinal cord is decompressed, and an interbody spacer with bone graft is placed and secured, usually with an anterior plate and screws.

Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia  ·  Typical duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes per level  ·  Typical hospital stay: 1–2 nights

Recovery

Arm symptoms often improve quickly; most patients resume light activity within 1–2 weeks with a graded return to full activity over 6–8 weeks.

Physiotherapy

Gentle range-of-motion and postural rehabilitation once the surgeon confirms it is appropriate.

Risks and complications

• Temporary hoarseness or swallowing difficulty
• Adjacent segment degeneration over time
• Non-union
• Infection

Expected follow-up

Wound check at 2 weeks, X-ray review to confirm fusion progress over the following months.

Indicative cost

Indicative cost: ₹2.5 – 5.0 lakh. This is not a quotation — see the full cost page for what's included and excluded.

What affects the cost

• Number of levels
• Implant type
• Hospital tier

Questions to ask

• Am I a suitable candidate for this specific procedure, or would an alternative be better for my case?
• What is your experience with this procedure?
• What does the quoted cost include and exclude?

Frequently asked questions