Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure to treat nerve root or spinal cord compression by decompressing the spinal cord and nerve roots of the cervical spine in order to stabilize the corresponding vertebrae.

In an ACDF procedure, the neurosurgeon enters the space between two discs through a small incision in front (anterior) of and at the right or left side of the neck. The disc is completely removed, as well as arthritic bone spurs. The disc material, pressing on the spinal nerve or spinal cord, is then completely removed.

Next, the space above and below the removed disc is cleared and prepared for a vertebral spacer. Bone graft material is inserted into the spacer, and the implant is placed between the vertebrae.

Bone graft and fusion

To prevent the vertebrae from collapsing and to increase stability, the open space is often filled with bone graft, taken from the pelvis or cadaveric bone. The slow process of the bone graft joining the vertebrae together is called "fusion." Sometimes a titanium plate is screwed onto the vertebrae or screws are used between the vertebrae to increase stability during fusion, especially when there is more than one disc involved.