Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF)

Case contributed by Olumuyiwa Ifedayo Ajayi
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Recurrent neck pain.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male

Cervical spine

x-ray

There is anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) at C5-C6 levels with screws, anterior plate and intervertebral disc space cage. Orthopedic hardware remains in-situ. No evidence to suggest any complication.

Cervical lordosis is straightened.

Vertebral body height and overall alignment are unremarkable. No vertebral body fracture.

Paravertebral and prevertebral neck soft tissue is unremarkable.

Case Discussion

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is the acceptable surgical treatment for symptomatic cervical degenerative disc disease in the face of failing conservative management.

Fusion is invaluable in patients suffering from in nerve root compression, pain originating from the disc or both.

There is resection of the intervertebral disc along the fibrocartilage covering the adjacent vertebral endplates, allowing for eventual osseous fusion. It is possible to reach back to the posterior longitudinal ligament, removing osteophytes and disc protrusion as well and extending laterally to decompress the neural exit foramina.

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