Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure used to treat patients with a compressed nerve or compressed spinal cord who do not improve with conservative care. If a patient has a compressed spinal cord and exhibits any symptoms, they will most likely need to undergo surgery regardless of their response to conservative care. The reason being that conservative care will be unlikely help improve their symptoms. In terms of surgery, the incision is made in the front of the neck, usually in a skin fold horizontally. After the incision, there is a “natural” plane towards the anterior spine making access easy and usually the reason most patients do not have a lot of postoperative pain. The mainstay of the surgical procedure is for the surgeon to remove the disc to allow access to the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Once the disc is removed, the surgeon can free up the compressed nerve or spinal cord to provide relief. Since there is no disc remaining, the surgeon usually replaces it with a spacer and secures the spacer with a plating system. The spacer can be cadaver bone, your bone, PEEK (plastic or poly-ether-ether-ketone), or titanium cage. Titanium is compatible with MRI, CAT Scan or X-Ray. The spacer is secured with a plate or similar device to add stability to the construct. The procedure described is a fusion and will cause the vertebral body or bone above and below the disc to grow together in bony union. Some patients are concerned about a fusion as they are afraid that it will cause more damage as they become older, but the data is still early. The surgical procedure is similar to an Anterior Cervical Disk Replacement (ACDR) in that both procedures remove the pressure from the nerves but unlike the ACDR, the ACDF is a fusion procedure of adjacent segments and does not allow motion. The ACDF can be done at any number of levels of the cervical spine.
Anterior Cervical Diskectomy and Fusion (ACDF)
The Cervical Center is dedicated to the treatment and outcomes of patients who suffer from problems related to the cervical spine including any condition related to bone, nerve, or soft tissue. Our program is focused on high quality clinical outcomes and the most effective treatments for all conditions related to the cervical spine.
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Angelo Troiano14/11/2022Very professional and thorough with my surgery.
Faith Schwenker22/03/2022Dr. Abraham’s did my surgery and it was a great success. After nearly 8 years of pain, I finally found a doctor who could help me. My sciatica nerve was compressing my L4 and L5 which was giving me pain and a very poor quality of life. Not only does Dr. Abraham’s have a great bedside manner, but also he certainly knows the complexities of the spine. Thank you so much for giving me my life back!! P.S. I have referred his name to several of my friends and they too have had a successful outcome!!
Kathleen Cully28/05/2021Dr. Abrahams is an extremely compassionate and highly skilled neurosurgeon who, along with Dr. C. Shannon, saved my husband's life by removing a complicated malignant metastatic brain tumor during a very long surgery. In addition, Dr. Abrahams has been my surgeon for several spinal procedures and I trust him with my life.
Kathleen Darcy22/02/2021My experience was great 😊. Dr Abraham was fabulous.
Xavier Masi15/02/2021Dr. Abrahams is the best, very caring and takes time out to listen instead of rushing!!! thanks Doc.. I might have to come see you again. Anthony
Dale15/02/2021😷 Dr Abrahams is THE BEST! He is the absolute best brain & spine surgeon by far! His group is beyond excellent! My back & neck had been fractured in an accident, and I made the mistake of seeing a "spine doctor on Tarrytown Road," who did not want to see me again unless I needed more surgery! I was outright denied an appointment, even after this "doctor" performed a lumbar laminectomy on me!!!😡 I was miserable and in excruciating pain. Then everything changed.... 🙏THANK GOD I FOUND DR ABRAHAMS! He took all the time he needed with me to come up with a new plan and thoroughly explained the correct surgery I needed. I had a fractured sacrum, lower back S1, right up to L5, needing spinal fusion. I also had cervical herniations. My life changed after Dr Abrahams took care of my surgery, his office still checks up on me to make sure I'm doing well. The office and entire staff is so helpful, friendly and caring. I recommend Dr Abrahams on a regular basis to people I meet that have brain or spine problems. Dr Abrahams is also BRILLIANT. He is the creator of many medical devices that he received patents for. When you go in his office your eyes won't know what to look at first he has so many awards & patents. He's a MUST GO TO doctor! He changed my life, and I am forever grateful to him, Lisa (his personal coordinator), and his entire staff, fellow doctors that are also in group with Dr Abrahams. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM as well as the doctors in practice within his group. You will get the best care by far.😊
Helena Mattis12/01/2021Dr. Abrahams literally saved my life. I went to him back in 2004 in horrible shape after being misdiagnosed by my Primary Care Physician. He went above and beyond in saving my life. I highly recommend him for his skills, ability, his humanity and love he demonstrates for both his patients and his work. Helena Edwards
Farah Rubeo13/09/2020Dr. Abrahams performed back surgery on me 6 years ago . I was 38 yrs old and in excruciating pain, not able to walk for longer longer than 5 minutes, sleeplessness nights and constantly being put on pain medication , including countless rounds of PT. Surgery was my only option to return to the quality of life I had before my injury and I am beyond grateful for Dr. Abrahams and his team. I have been playing softball, exercising , walking my dog and enjoying everything that I have missed for years! Dr. Abrahams to me Is a lifesaver! The best of the best !