Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is a specialized spine surgery performed to relieve spinal cord or nerve root pressure in the neck (cervical spine) caused by a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis. The procedure involves removing the damaged disc from the front (anterior) of the neck and stabilizing the spine using a bone graft and titanium implants to promote fusion between adjacent vertebrae.
At Center Spine India, under the expert leadership of Dr. Hitesh Garg, ACDF surgery is performed using state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques that offer faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved outcomes.
ACDF is recommended when patients experience the following conditions and symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatments:
1. Anterior Approach: The surgery is done through a small incision in the front of the neck, avoiding major muscles and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
2. Disc Removal: The herniated or damaged disc is carefully removed under high quality microscope to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
3. Fusion: A bone graft or synthetic spacer is placed between the vertebrae to maintain disc height and restore alignment.
4. Stabilization: A titanium plate and screws are used to hold the vertebrae in place while the bones fuse together over time.
Most patients can return to light activities within 10 days and resume office work in 2 to 3 weeks. A structured physiotherapy program is recommended to rebuild neck strength and flexibility. Full bone fusion may take 3–6 months, during which follow-up imaging and consultations ensure optimal healing.
Whether you are from India or abroad, our team is here to guide you every step of the way—from evaluation to surgery and complete recovery.
Mr. Rabba Atta, a 52-year-old gentleman from Iraq, had been living with persistent axial neck pain for over 10 years. What began as a dull ache gradually worsened over the years, progressing into radicular pain radiating from his neck into his left shoulder, arm, and eventually down to both forearms. Simple neck movements aggravated the pain, impacting his quality of life and daily activities.
A 47-year-old man, was brought to the emergency department at Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon, after sustaining a traumatic injury. He presented with severe neck pain and numbness in both hands, which were significantly impacting him.
Head – Spine Surgery, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram
Founder – Centre Spine India
Dr. Hitesh Garg is one of India’s most respected and experienced spine surgeons with over 15+ years of expertise in complex spinal procedures. He has performed thousands of successful spine surgeries and is a pioneer in motion-preserving and minimally invasive spinal treatments. His precision, patient-centric care, and surgical excellence have made him a trusted name for international and Indian patients alike.
He has more than 7000 spine surgeries to his credit including more than 4000 spinal fusions (TLIF, ACDF etc), 1500 deformity correction procedures (Scoliosis and kyphosis), 500 lumbar and cervical artificial disc replacements, 500 fracture treatments and 500 other complex surgeries like spinal tumour, congenital defects and spino-pelvic fixations.
He uses the latest cutting edge technology during surgery such as Neuromonitoring, O-arm, Navigation, modular operation theaters and microscope which allows him to have a high success rate of almost 98 percent.
Center For Spine And Scoliosis is headed by visionary Dr. Hitesh Garg, a well renowned spine surgeon in Guragon and Delhi NCR region.
He is supported by a complete team of physiotherapists, orthotists, physicians, neurologist, radiologists, neurosurgeons and anaesthetists in providing a complete cure to all the conditions affecting the spine and spinal cord.
We believe in treating the spine ailments conservatively unless the surgery is absolute necessity.
A. Minimal discomfort is expected post-surgery, which is well-managed with medication. Most patients report significant pain relief within 24–48 hours.
A. You may notice minor stiffness, but overall, patients retain most neck mobility and experience better function.
A. Yes, it is a long-term solution. The fused segment does not move, preventing recurrence of symptoms in that area.
A. Most international patients can travel back safely within 7–10 days of surgery, depending on their recovery.
A. Bone fusion typically takes 3 to 6 months, but it can vary depending on factors such as age, overall health, smoking habits, and bone quality. Your surgeon will monitor fusion progress through periodic imaging.
A. The fusion may involve an autograft (your own bone), allograft (donor bone), or synthetic bone substitutes. These are all FDA-approved, safe, and chosen based on your condition and surgical plan.
A. Yes, we use minimally invasive techniques with small incisions, less muscle disruption, and faster recovery wherever possible.
A. Yes. A personalized rehabilitation plan is usually started a few weeks post-surgery to help improve strength, mobility, and healing. Dr. Hitesh Garg and team will advices best physical therapy for you.
A. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, driving, and strenuous activities for a few weeks. Long-term, most patients can return to normal life with minor precautions.
A. While ACDF has a high success rate, in rare cases, patients may develop adjacent segment disease, where stress is transferred to nearby discs. Dr. Hitesh Garg carefully plans each surgery to reduce this risk.
A. Yes, but these conditions must be well-controlled prior to surgery. Pre-operative assessments ensure your safety and readiness for the procedure.
A. The success rate of ACDF is 90 - 95%, especially in relieving arm pain, weakness, and numbness. Neck pain may take longer to resolve but typically improves over time.
A. The incision is made in a natural skin crease at the front of the neck, and in most cases, the scar fades significantly over time and becomes barely noticeable.
A. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, meaning you’ll be asleep and pain-free during the surgery.
A. Limited neck movement may occur due to fusion, but most patients retain functional movement and adapt quickly without difficulty in daily activities.
A. Typically, 1 to 3 cervical levels can be safely fused in a single procedure. Multilevel fusions like Four levels or Five or six levels are more complex but commonly performed at specialized centers like ours.
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