Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

The anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for single-level disc disease was first described in 1958. Since that time, the anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedure has become a mainstay in spinal surgery, and its indications have expanded. Time spent ensuring proper positioning secures adequate access to the operative levels. A thorough understanding of surgical anatomy is essential for identifying key structures and safely gaining access to the anterior cervical spine. While the general tenants of the discectomy and fusion portions of the procedure are fairly standardized, adjuvant surgical tools utilized in these portions may vary based on surgeon preference. While there are some well-known complications, the ACDF has been shown to be a safe and effective procedure for addressing anterior cervical pathology.