ACDF or Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion is a surgery performed for removal of the degenerative or herniated disc present in the neck area that belongs to the spine. Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) procedure in India has many advantage due to availability of highly skilled neuro-spine surgeons and world class most advanced technology and special care for International Patients visiting India for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery.

Need Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Surgery is needed for the candidates, who have been suffering from the following.

• When the CT, MRI and myelogram indicate the presence of degenerative or herniated disc
• Arm pain increased and become worse than the neck
• Increased weakness found in the arm or hand
• Symptoms are not relieved from the medication or physical therapy

Procedure – Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

The meaning of discectomy is cutting out the disc. It can be performed possibly anywhere that goes along the spine, either gores through the low back or lumbar or neck or cervical. The damaged disc is reached through either anterior or front or posterior or through back of the spine. Anterior way involves reaching through the throat area. It moves the neck muscles, esophagus, the disc and trachea aside and expose the bony vertebrae. Surgery through anterior is usually preferred by the surgeons, as it is more accessible, when compared to the posterior, as the posterior way may disturb the nerves, cord of the spine and strong muscles of neck. The surgery is performed either one disc or single level or multi level, based on the symptoms. After reaching the disc, it is removed from the spine.

Once the disc is removed, there will be an empty space seen in between the bony vertebrae. As the vertebrae should not be rubbed together or collapsed, a new graft or spacer bone graft will be inserted and it fills the disc space that is open. So, the space graft acts to be a bridge in between these two vertebrae and creates a spinal fusion. Then metal plates along with the screws are used to fix the vertebrae and bone graft to be placed in the right position.

After the surgery is completed, the natural healing process is started and the cells will start growing for the new bone, around the graft. The bone graft would then join both of the vertebrae and together become one solid bone piece. Both the fusion and instrumentation do work together just like reinforced concrete.

The bone grafts that are used in the surgery are taken from many of the available sources.

• Autograft

Autograft bone is the graft taken from the patient itself. The bone cells are usually taken from the hip. The advantage is that since it contains proteins and cells for bone growing, autograft has increased rate of fusion. However, the disadvantage is that there will be pain felt in the hipbone. The bone that is harvested is just half inch thick, as the entire bone thickness is not removed.

• Allograft

Allograft is the graft taken from a donor. Bone back bone is taken from the diseased donor. Though this bone has no ability to grow with proteins, but is helpful, as it does not need to be harvested and no need to be taken from the hip. The shape of the allograft like a doughnut with its center is well packed with living bone tissue and well shaved. It is usually taken from the spine, while surgery is performed.

• Bone graft substitute

The substitute, bone graft is the man-made plastic. It is also made of bioresorbable compounds or ceramic. It is also called as cage. The material is a living bone tissue that is well shaved.

Recovery

Once the fusion is happened, it seems to be loss range of motion to some extent. However, the loss felt is varied based on the mobility of the neck that was before the surgery and also levels that were fused. If only one level of fusing is done, better range of motion can be expected, than it was before the surgery. If there are multiple levels of fusion is done, the limitation or loss seems to be more and it would be hard to turn the head and also looking down and up.

Cost of Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery

The above Package Cost is a tentative Approximate Package Estimate, which includes initial investigations & specialists screening, stay in a Private Room wherein patient’s assistant or relative can also stay with patient, doctor / surgeon fee, nursing care, medicines & consumables, Airport Pick-Up & Drop. 

In order to access, exact estimate of treatment package cost, do email us at [email protected] all your medical reports.

On receiving your medical reports, we will revert to you within 24 Hours with right estimate package after getting your medical reports examined by best team of doctors at best hospitals in India. We will also assist you in traveling part, which includes, airfare booking, medical visa invitation, airport pick-up and drop, hotel stay & visit for any sightseeing. With our 10 years of expertise in delivering highly caring International Patients Assistance Services, you can completely rely on us in every step of your recovery. Our all International Patient Assistance Services are absolutely FREE!!! as World Health Expert India (WHXI) is an official associate of India’s Best Hospitals & Specialists.