Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion for cervical disc disease

Abstract

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure proven successful in the treatment of symptoms caused by cervical degenerative disc disease that is unresponsive to conservative therapy. Retrospective studies of patients who have undergone ACDF indicate that this procedure has a high rate of success for relieving symptoms and a low rate of associated complications. This article discusses normal cervical spine anatomy, the pathology of degenerative cervical disc disease, and perioperative nursing care for patients undergoing ACDF. Cortical ring allograft bone grafting and internal fixation with cervical locking plates also is discussed.