Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Dr. Shim explains what Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion ( ACDF ) surgery is and the pros and cons of getting it.
For more information, please visit: www.shimspine.com/anterior-ce...
0:00 What is ACDF?
2:21 Why get ACDF
3:14 What are the concerns?
3:36 Research
Citations:
Bydon M, Mathios D, Macki M, de la Garza-Ramos R, Sciubba DM, Witham TF, Wolinsky JP, Gokaslan ZL, Bydon A. Long-term patient outcomes after posterior cervical foraminotomy: an analysis of 151 cases. J Neurosurg Spine. 2014 Nov;21(5):727-31. PubMed PMID: 25127430
Clarke MJ, Ecker RD, Krauss WE, McClelland RL, Dekutoski MB. Same-segment and adjacent-segment disease following posterior cervical foraminotomy. J Neurosurg Spine. 2007 Jan;6(1):5-9. PubMed PMID: 17233284
Platt A, Gerard CS, O'Toole JE. Comparison of outcomes following minimally invasive and open posterior cervical foraminotomy: description of minimally invasive technique and review of literature. J Spine Surg. 2020 Mar;6(1):243-251. PubMed PMID: 32309662
Leveque JC, Marong-Ceesay B, Cooper T, Howe CR. Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Radiculopathy and Myelopathy. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am. 2015 Aug;26(3):491-511. PubMed PMID: 26231961
Woods BI, Hilibrand AS. Cervical radiculopathy: epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. J Spinal Disord Tech. 2015 Jun;28(5):E251-9. PubMed PMID: 25985461
Additional References:
thejns.org/spine/view/journal...

Пікірлер: 84

  • @deananderson601
    @deananderson601 Жыл бұрын

    Hi. I had my 6/7 ACDF 20 days ago and so for so good. All pain I had prior the operation has gone,just left with healing pains. I’ve to have it done again in 5 years to fuse the c5/6 but I’m not worried anymore due to the care and treatment I’ve had this time. I’m in the UK and find myself very lucky to have such amazing surgeon and medical staff. I recommend it to anyone who having seriously back neck pains and numbness throughout your body.

  • @armywife2009angel

    @armywife2009angel

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this, I’m so scared having this surgery done here soon 😔 I’m having so many problems like I lost mobility in my right arm/hand. Seeing this scares me so bad lol.

  • @deananderson601

    @deananderson601

    Жыл бұрын

    @@armywife2009angel Hi. I’m four months post operation and I feel brand new! The recovery is slow but well worth it. I honestly am like a new man, I’m a plasterer as well fully back to work with no pain whatsoever. Good luck with your op, I’m positive you will be just fine.

  • @deananderson601

    @deananderson601

    11 ай бұрын

    @@Joe-xe3pt Hi. I was private but the NHS referred and paid. It took me three years to get the MRI and then once diagnosed it was 6 months later I was in surgery. Well worth it! I’m like brand new now and back plastering. I took 3.5 months off work. Hope you’re as lucky

  • @JJbro-rt5zu

    @JJbro-rt5zu

    9 күн бұрын

    @@deananderson601hi are you still well

  • @AliAli-ic1ri
    @AliAli-ic1ri3 жыл бұрын

    Thank You very much. FOR GOOD INFORMATION and perfect language

  • @zurtv2206
    @zurtv22063 жыл бұрын

    I watch ur all videos and really appreciate ur work...nice channel

  • @salmanovable
    @salmanovable11 ай бұрын

    I will make surgery tomorrow on C6-C7 hope that going well with me 😢

  • @dalerbsr.5061
    @dalerbsr.50613 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Dr

  • @gman1901
    @gman19012 жыл бұрын

    Excellent 👍

  • @MikeyLovesLife
    @MikeyLovesLife11 ай бұрын

    Almost 10 years post op from this procedure, C4-C6. Praying that I will not need more intervention above this fusion. In my case it was literally a life saver. Things got really bad leading up to my surgery in 2013. I have congenital defects in my C spine.

  • @dianeshea4192
    @dianeshea41922 жыл бұрын

    Ty doctor. Now I have a better understanding of the type of surgery I had on my neck. The fusion didn't take and it messed up my vocal chords. Since then, I've had a hard time swallowing food and meds without choking. I was in a fender bender and hit from behind, it jarred my neck. Now it's stiff and hurts to turn my neck side to side.

  • @Kajalsdiy

    @Kajalsdiy

    9 ай бұрын

    Hi ,my brother had this c5 to c7 asdf surgery 27 days back . His voice is still clear ..he can’t speak in his original voice and now also he is getting some pain .so any suggestions on this when he can speak properly .

  • @chrissyluna8183
    @chrissyluna81832 жыл бұрын

    I had my c5/c6 fused in 2016 , in a wk I'm going back to have my c4/c5 fused with possible adjustments to my c6. I honestly swear by this surgery. I had so much pain and my migraines went from at least 21 a month to maybe 3 or 4 and the ones I do have are mild compared to the ones I had before.

  • @AndyB718

    @AndyB718

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hoping for the same and better use of my L hand again.

  • @brookieeforeveryoung

    @brookieeforeveryoung

    2 жыл бұрын

    This is what I really needed to read! I have surgery in a week and I’m so nervous. But it’s worth the risk to be rid of the pain and migraines! 😓

  • @lawrencefil5

    @lawrencefil5

    2 жыл бұрын

    When you say adjustment to C6 what do you mean? Was it off alignment? My fusion is off alignment and I have such bad forward head posture because of it. Excruciating pain constantly.

  • @killshot2333

    @killshot2333

    Жыл бұрын

    @@brookieeforeveryoung are you pain free

  • @brookieeforeveryoung

    @brookieeforeveryoung

    Жыл бұрын

    @@killshot2333 not completely sadly. The episodes don’t come on every day anymore but they’re stronger. I hope better results come for you!

  • @LTDANMAN44
    @LTDANMAN445 ай бұрын

    thank you doctor

  • @Peaceful.3544
    @Peaceful.35443 жыл бұрын

    I was diagnosed with spondysis with myelopathy but never had any symptoms of numbness, but my surgeon said I need and so I had ACDF 2.5 years ago. Since then I have not been feeling better at all. As a matter of fact my neck has burning sensation and head tightening. I’ve been going to physical therapy and getting acupuncture treatments for pain. I wish I knew this video before I did the surgery.

  • @Ashpleeeease

    @Ashpleeeease

    Жыл бұрын

    I'm so sorry to hear this. I hope things improve for you

  • @imveryhungry112

    @imveryhungry112

    9 ай бұрын

    did you get another spine fusion yet?

  • @skye8394
    @skye83942 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing the information. It helped me to understand more about the procedures for my surgery.

  • @cypherx4296

    @cypherx4296

    2 жыл бұрын

    Just had it yesterday. If ya have any questions let me know

  • @chrissyluna8183

    @chrissyluna8183

    2 жыл бұрын

    I had my first 1 in 2016 and next wk going in my 2nd

  • @skye8394

    @skye8394

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@chrissyluna8183 Wishing you all the best. Is this surgery related to the one in 2016?

  • @skye8394

    @skye8394

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@cypherx4296 Thanks mate. No questions to ask really because I’m still waiting! From urgent 30 days wait - it’s blown out to nearly 4 months waiting. My life has limitations and restrictions keeps me at home doing very little. I still go walking slowly and vigilant taking steps avoiding tripping. Pain and symptoms still very apparent. Discectomy of 5, one of them is pressing into the spinal cord, it’s narrow in that area and cervical spine is not curved and smooth….but looking like an ‘S’ bend.

  • @skye8394

    @skye8394

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@cypherx4296 Oops I got carried away with my ego, sorry. I did not ask how are you doing these last 3 months? Give me your good news surely not bad news.

  • @paolozoani7390
    @paolozoani73902 жыл бұрын

    Ottimo

  • @rjaustin82
    @rjaustin82 Жыл бұрын

    Juat had my c6/c7 fused 5 days ago. Incisional pain and throat pain from where my esophagus and trachea were moved out of the way to access the spine. I still have some lingering nerve pain and numbness down my left arm but I am told that is normal and should subside as inflammation goes down. This recovery sucks, but it's so much better than the constant pain I was in for 48 days prior. Dont second guess this surgery. Although it looks harsh, you'll feel so much better afterwards.

  • @anhoppenheimer2755

    @anhoppenheimer2755

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for posting this! I've been in pain for 3+months and am having the same surgery as you next week! Hope you're still feeling good.

  • @rjaustin82

    @rjaustin82

    Жыл бұрын

    @@anhoppenheimer2755 Thank you! I feel fantastic. I am still limited to 20lbs lifting but otherwise I am completely back to normal. Good luck on your surgery. You'll feel 100x better. Take care!

  • @imveryhungry112

    @imveryhungry112

    9 ай бұрын

    @@rjaustin82 did you get another spine fusion yet?

  • @rjaustin82

    @rjaustin82

    9 ай бұрын

    @@imveryhungry112 Another? No, and I am going to try my damndest to never have to go through that experience ever again.

  • @imveryhungry112

    @imveryhungry112

    9 ай бұрын

    @@rjaustin82 oh i thought the video was talking about adjacent segment disease which means once you get one you get to get another fusion.

  • @isabelramirez233
    @isabelramirez2332 жыл бұрын

    Hi Doctor!! I would like to know if Is possible have pain in my neck and my arms , had fusion c3, c4 in my neck 13 years ago, now in my new job recommend to use devices to put in the T-shirt at the neck for correct body position , every moment this device give to my neck little shots I m using since November 2021 now I felt my hands and arm like numbeness , feeling something pulling inside my arm

  • @sanaarasheed433
    @sanaarasheed4332 жыл бұрын

    Thank you sir for your excellent explanation. What about the dentists who had ACDF surgery, when they can go back to their job and patient? What are the restrictions for them if there is any?

  • @ShimSpineVideos

    @ShimSpineVideos

    2 жыл бұрын

    For one and two level surgery, most people can get back to their activities as tolerated. Please discuss your gradual return to activities with your surgeon. Each may have different recommendations.

  • @fadedillusions867
    @fadedillusions8674 ай бұрын

    I go next month for a four level, C3-7.

  • @lonskichannel350
    @lonskichannel3502 жыл бұрын

    Hello doc how many month can heal the wound?

  • @963ag
    @963ag3 жыл бұрын

    I was diagnosed with moderate to severe cervical spinal stenosis at C3-5. I have seen 2 orthopedic spine surgeons, the 1st wanted to do a posterior laminectomy without fusion, the 2cd wants to do an ACDF with a cage device. My insurance will not cover a 3rd opinion. The 1st doctor believes I have myelopathy based on MRI. The 2cd doctor doesn't believe I have myelopathy based on the results of reflexology tests. My symptoms are intermittent mild neck stiffness, and arm weakness- I have no gait issues. I have had 1 bout of sciatica about a year ago that went away on its own in days. I walk daily and swim often. I am 57 and don't know what to do... both doctors believe that I need surgery, the 1st wants to do it right away, the second wants to see me in 6 months. Please advise.

  • @rameshdalavai6069

    @rameshdalavai6069

    2 жыл бұрын

    Have you undergone surgery? If so kindly explain.Dr advised me to undergo c5,C6 and c7 surgery

  • @imveryhungry112

    @imveryhungry112

    9 ай бұрын

    how do you not know if you have myelopathy? you can evaluate yourself. Can you walk ok and use your hands ok? I mean if its not even bad enough to where you yourself cant tell you have it then why would you get an operation to fix it!!!

  • @963ag

    @963ag

    9 ай бұрын

    @@imveryhungry112 A person cannot diagnose themselves, it is based on reflex tests.

  • @imveryhungry112

    @imveryhungry112

    9 ай бұрын

    @@963ag Check out the MJOA assessment. Its the same assessment the doctor uses! My point is -- cervical myelopathy is diagnosed via symptoms not via imaging. Surgery is used to correct those symptoms. If the symptoms are so mild that you cant even tell you have it, and two doctors cant even agree on whether you have it, then why would get your spine fused to fix that? Seriously, people got to look out for themselves. Thats just CRAZY lol. When you need a spine fusion youll KNOW IT. TRUST ME.

  • @justbarry587

    @justbarry587

    9 ай бұрын

    Surgeons like to do surgery

  • @swethabanoth3787
    @swethabanoth37872 жыл бұрын

    Hello sir..ur explanation is very good..my husband underwent acdf fr c5 c6...20days ago..but his paresthesias over left lower limb ...havent come down..he feels they have increased..his flexor spasms of left lower limb has also not improved...please sugest ..wat to do

  • @mustafak.ismael542
    @mustafak.ismael5428 ай бұрын

    How can I talk with the doc ?

  • @kaykayski09
    @kaykayski09 Жыл бұрын

    . Please get help if you experience any of these symptoms, because if left untreated you can become completely paralyzed and become a vegetable the rest of your life. That was the scariest experience of my life and I’m still trying to cope with the trauma I experienced when I lost mobility and thought I’d never be the same again. I thought my family would have to send me away to a nursing home and I’d be trapped in this body in a hospital bed that I would never get up out of. I love to run, to play with my animals and be active. I was mourning the loss of my future that I had to accept would never be a reality. Sorry for the long comment but I just wanted to say how grateful I am and I hope now that I can get my mobility back fully since my scar tissue on the back of my neck is really bad. I started physical therapy and I pray it helps. But I’m so much better off than I was 5 months ago. Thank you to all the surgeons out there who are so skilled at fixing these things for us and sometimes doing the impossible. ❤🙏❤❤🙏❤

  • @imveryhungry112

    @imveryhungry112

    9 ай бұрын

    the doctors told u u would become a vegetable without the acdf?

  • @tammybowles8346
    @tammybowles8346 Жыл бұрын

    I was injured at work. Now my Ortho wants to do this surgery on c5-6. I'm almost 65 and active. Still working. I'm have numbness, tingling in both arms and hands and pain lower cervical radiating to Rt upper arm. Workers comp was paying, but now with the surgical decision, the are denying. Could I continue to work in my field without fear of causing a worse problem, le paralyze?

  • @imveryhungry112

    @imveryhungry112

    9 ай бұрын

    what happened did you get spine fusion?!

  • @dadlidada
    @dadlidada2 жыл бұрын

    I just had this procedure done 5/28/21, 5 levels & it’s still painful & uncomfortable to drive. Arms are still weak but I can move my left arm now and I don’t have to go to the bathroom every 20mins 😂. Uncomfortable, but BETTER!

  • @erickschaefer559

    @erickschaefer559

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi I'm getting ready to have this done Thursday and was wondering if there's anything you can tell me to help prepare for this thanks

  • @dadlidada

    @dadlidada

    2 жыл бұрын

    From my experience, just have someone who will be there to help you for the first week or two after surgery and be mentally prepared. I think everyone will have different experiences depending on the extent of your surgery. Hope all goes well, I’m getting ready to go back to work at the end of the month

  • @erickschaefer559

    @erickschaefer559

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dadlidada Thank you last year I had a Posterior Laminectomy and did ok so again thanks

  • @Mikey-ji3eg

    @Mikey-ji3eg

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@dadlidada is your pain fully gone even after a couple months of post-surgery recovery? Or do you still have lingering pain?

  • @dadlidada

    @dadlidada

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Mikey-ji3eg still having some pain but it’s much less than before surgery.

  • @zurtv2206
    @zurtv22063 жыл бұрын

    Sir my slipped disc has been healed...only numbness in one leg...what do u suggest?

  • @ShimSpineVideos

    @ShimSpineVideos

    3 жыл бұрын

    Get back to your life.

  • @user-oy7ch8rv2x
    @user-oy7ch8rv2x Жыл бұрын

    Hello guys my grandson is facing c4 problem with his neck 😢😢 I'm looking for help where are will take he and how much it will cost me he is dieing 😢😢 and no Dr in country where we live to help me please 🥺🥺 I really need help for this child life

  • @AD-kh8yw
    @AD-kh8ywАй бұрын

    اسوأ شيئ انني اعيش في سوريا ولا استطيع عمل هذه الجراحة بالرغم انني بحاجة اليها عندي الم لايحتمل في كل جانبي اليسار الم لاااايوصف

  • @raytonkahalepauole4439
    @raytonkahalepauole4439 Жыл бұрын

    😱👌🤗👍