Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion

Most neck and arm pain from a slipped disc settles without surgery. When it doesn't, or when a disc is pressing on the spinal cord, ACDF is a well-proven operation that removes the damaged disc through a small cut at the front of the neck. Most people walk on the day of surgery and go home the next day.

Reviewed by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, Last reviewed October 2026

What is ACDF?

ACDF stands for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Anterior means the surgeon works from the front of the neck. Discectomy means the damaged disc is taken out. Fusion means the two bones above and below are joined so they heal as one.

The surgeon reaches the spine through a small cut at the front of the neck. A spacer packed with bone graft goes into the empty disc space. In some cases a small plate and screws are added for extra support. We decide this case by case.

Why would a disc in the neck need to come out?

The discs are soft cushions between the bones of your neck. When one bulges or wears, it can press on a nerve, causing arm pain, tingling or weakness. Less often it presses on the spinal cord itself, which makes hands clumsy and walking unsteady. Bone spurs from wear can do the same.

Read more: Cervical Disc Herniation, Cervical Radiculopathy, Cervical Myelopathy and Cervical Spinal Stenosis.

Who needs this surgery?

Most people don't. Neck and arm pain from a slipped disc usually improves over 6 to 12 weeks with medicines, physiotherapy, a soft collar and sometimes an injection. Surgery is worth discussing if:

• Your arm pain is still severe after 6 to 12 weeks of proper treatment
• Your MRI shows a disc or bone spur pressing on a nerve that matches your symptoms
• Your arm or hand is getting weaker
• The spinal cord is being squeezed. We don't usually wait in this situation.

If you've been told you need surgery and want to be sure, you can send us your MRI for a second opinion →

What are the other options?

• Non-surgical care: soft collar, a short course of oral steroids, physiotherapy, and a cervical epidural injection for selected people. We use traction very rarely.
• Cervical disc replacement: an artificial disc that keeps movement, in selected patients. Cervical Disc Replacement →
• Posterior cervical foraminotomy: relieves a pinched nerve from the back of the neck, without removing the disc or fusing.
• Surgery from the back: Cervical Laminoplasty or laminectomy, often better when several levels are narrowed.

We'll explain which one suits you, and why.

Why does the bone need to be fused?

Once the disc is gone, the gap must stay open and steady while it heals. The graft lets the two bones grow together. This keeps the nerve space open and the neck stable.

How is the operation done?

1. You're under general anaesthesia, so you're asleep throughout.
2. You lie on your back. The surgeon makes a small cut at the front of the neck, usually in a natural skin crease.
3. The windpipe and food pipe are gently moved to one side. No neck muscles are cut, and the spine lies just behind.
4. An X-ray confirms the correct level.
5. The damaged disc is removed, along with any bone spurs, until the nerve or spinal cord is free.
6. The spacer with bone graft goes in. If needed, a small plate and screws are added for extra support.
7. The skin is closed with stitches that dissolve. A thin drain may be left for a day.

Will I lose neck movement?

You lose a small amount of movement at the fused level. The rest of the neck makes up for it, and most people don't notice in daily life. If more than one level is fused, the stiffness is more noticeable.

Will it help my neck pain?

Surgery works best for arm pain, numbness and weakness caused by a pinched nerve, and for pressure on the spinal cord. If your pain is mostly in the neck and your nerves are fine, ACDF is not the answer, and we'll tell you so.

How well does it work?

Arm pain often eases within days. Numbness and weakness are slower, because nerves heal slowly. When the spinal cord has been squeezed, the first aim is to stop things getting worse. Many people also improve. Earlier treatment gives better results.

What are the risks?

Every operation has risks, and we'll go through them with you before you decide. They include:

• Sore throat, hoarse voice or discomfort swallowing. Common in the first days to weeks, and it usually settles. It rarely lasts.
• The bones not joining. This is more likely if you smoke. Another operation is occasionally needed.
• Shoulder or upper arm weakness from nerve irritation, which usually recovers on its own
• Symptoms that don't fully improve, especially if the nerve or cord was pressed for a long time
• Infection, bleeding or a small tear in the nerve covering. All are uncommon.

Serious injury to the spinal cord or nerves is rare.

Can the discs above and below wear out?

Over many years, yes, in some people. The neck ages anyway, and a fusion can add a little extra load to the neighbouring levels. If it causes symptoms, we start with exercises and injections. Further surgery is needed only occasionally.

How can I prepare?

• Stop smoking, ideally weeks before surgery and until the bone has fused
• Keep your blood sugar well controlled if you have diabetes
• Tell us about every medicine you take. Blood thinners, aspirin, fish oil and herbal medicines may need to be stopped beforehand.

What is recovery like?

After a single-level ACDF, you usually get up and walk on the day of surgery and go home the next day. If more than one level is fused, expect 2 to 3 nights, and most people are walking within a day. You will wear a soft neck collar for 2 to 3 weeks for support.

The timeline below is for people who were already walking normally before surgery. If you had weakness or trouble walking, recovery can take longer, and we'll plan it with you.

Call us the same day if you notice fever, a red or leaking wound, new weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, or swelling in the neck. If you have trouble breathing, come to the hospital straight away.

Questions to ask your surgeon

• Which level is the problem, and does my MRI match my symptoms?
• Have I tried enough non-surgical treatment?
• Is my spinal cord being pressed?
• Why ACDF for me, and not disc replacement or surgery from the back?
• What result can I expect for my arm and for my neck?
• When can I return to work and exercise?

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About Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary

This page was written by Dr. Kshitij Chaudhary, a fellowship-trained spine surgeon at P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, trained in complex spine surgery at Harvard Medical School (Beth Israel Deaconess) and the Twin Cities Spine Center, Minneapolis. 🏃🏾About Dr. Chaudhary

This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Please see a doctor for advice about your own symptoms.