An Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is the second most common procedure performed by spinal surgeons. This procedure is the gold standard treatment for herniated cervical discs, degenerative disc disease and many other diagnosis. It has been performed for a 100 years. The surgical procedure had advanced through the years. With current surgical techniques, fusion rates are successful 98-99% of the time.

Patient satisfaction rates with Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusions are greater than 90%. With recent advances with bone substances and instrumentation, in most cases we do not use bone from the patient hip. But rather a combination of donor bone and titanium plate and screws.

Fortunately, there is a very low rate of failed fusion. Failed fusions usually occur in high risk patients, which include people with many medical problems/co-morbidities and smokers. Many patients ask why smoking can decrease their chances for a successful surgery. The nicotine affects the small blood vessels that are critical to bone healing and bone formation. In the rare case of a failed fusion, a re-operation (ACDF) or a procedure from the back of the neck.