Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion in New Jersey

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or ACDF, removes a damaged disc in the neck and replaces it with a cage and bone graft that fuses the vertebrae above and below. It is one of the most established treatments for cervical disc problems that cause arm pain or press on the spinal cord.

A physician adjusting the cervical region of the spine to provide relief for a patient experiencing neck pain.
A New Jersey spinal surgeon evaluating a patient neck x-ray for Cervical Radiculopathy.

Definition

What is an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

ACDF is done through a small incision at the front of the neck, where the surgeon can reach the cervical spine through a natural plane between the muscles and other structures. The damaged disc is taken out, along with any bone spurs or material pressing on the nerves or spinal cord.

A bone graft then goes into the empty disc space, usually held in place by a small titanium plate and screws. That spacer keeps the normal height between the vertebrae and sets up the fusion, where the two vertebrae grow together into one stable unit over the following months.

Working from the front gives the surgeon a direct line to the disc and the cord without disturbing the muscles at the back of the neck.

How do you know if you need an Anterior Cervical Discectomy (ACDF)?

ACDF usually comes up when a cervical disc presses on a nerve or the spinal cord and conservative care has not helped.

When arm pain, numbness, or early cord-related changes persist despite rest and therapy, and imaging matches the symptoms, removing the disc and fusing the level becomes reasonable.

Signs that an ACDF may be needed include:

  • Persistent arm pain, numbness, or weakness from a pinched cervical nerve
  • Loss of fine motor control in the hands
  • Balance or walking changes that suggest cervical myelopathy
  • Neck pain tied to confirmed disc disease
  • Symptoms that have not improved after several weeks of conservative care
  • Imaging showing a disc herniation, bone spurs, or stenosis that matches the symptoms

How do we perform an Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion?

The approach is planned around the disc and the level causing the trouble, along with the structures nearby. At the Jey Institute, an ACDF generally moves through three stages.
Young New Jersey man during an MRI scan for his spinal health

01

Preparation and surgical approach

You are positioned face-up, and the surgeon makes a small horizontal incision at the front of the neck, often along a natural skin crease. Working through the plane between the muscles and windpipe, the surgeon reaches the cervical spine without cutting through muscle.
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New Jersey spinal surgeon performing spinal surgery

02

Disc removal and decompression

The affected disc is removed, along with any bone spurs or material pressing on the cord or nerve roots. A surgical microscope gives a magnified view so the surgeon can clear the compression precisely.
A New Jersey man being consulted by a spinal surgeon prior to surgery.

03

Bone graft, plating, and closure

A bone graft is set into the cleared disc space and secured with a small titanium plate and screws to hold the alignment. Over the next several months it fuses the two vertebrae into one solid segment, while the plate keeps everything steady until that union takes hold.
A younger New Jersey woman recovering from spinal surgery

Recovery

What Is Recovery Like After an Anterior Cervical Discectomy?

Recovery from an ACDF is usually smoother than people expect, since nothing is cut at the back of the neck. Many patients go home the same day or after one night, with a sore throat and some neck stiffness in the first week.

Those with desk jobs are often back the following week. Some loss of neck motion can come with a fusion, but therapy brings much of it back, and the fused level becomes painless once healed. High-impact activity returns in stages as the surgeon confirms healing at follow-up visits.

Common conditions that may require an Anterior Cervical Discectomy

ACDF is used when a cervical disc is the source of nerve or cord compression that has not settled with conservative care. It works best when the disc problem and the symptoms point to the same level, and it can address everything from a herniated disc to bone spurs and stenosis. These are the conditions that most often lead to it:

Degenerative Disc Disease

Learn about degenerative disc disease treatment in New Jersey for chronic back pain, neck pain, stiffness, and other symptoms caused by age-related disc degeneration.

Scoliosis

The Jey Institute provides personalized scoliosis treatment in New Jersey through advanced evaluation, non-surgical care, and minimally invasive spine surgery.

Profile picture of Dr. Shiveindra Jeyamohan, MD. Spinal surgeon in New Jersey.

Dr. Shiveindra Jeyamohan, MD.

Chief Surgeon & Medical Director

Meet the clinical lead

Why choose The Jey Institute for an Anterior Cervical Discectomy?

Choosing a surgeon for an ACDF in New Jersey is about more than the procedure on paper.

How many of these the surgeon has done, how carefully they protect the structures in the front of the neck, and how patients recover all weigh in.

  • 5,000+ Patients served
  • 3,000+ Surgeries performed
  • 95% Same-day recovery rate

Areas we serve in New Jersey

The Jey Institute treats patients from across New Jersey with cervical disc disease, arm pain from pinched nerves, and cord-related symptoms in the neck. We regularly care for people from the following communities and the surrounding areas:

Frequently asked questions about Anterior Cervical Discectomy (ACDF)

How successful is the fusion, and what happens if it doesn’t fuse?

Over 95% of patients will go on to fuse. Smokers, or patients with osteoporosis may have trouble fusing, which may require corrective surgery. Dr. Jey frequently sees patients who underwent fusions by other surgeons that did not heal, and revises their surgeries.

Is the front-of-neck approach safe for the throat and vocal cords?

Yes, it is one of the most common surgeries we perform. Having performed thousands of these, we carefully identify and avoid all the important structures so the surgery can be done safely with minimal pain.

What’s the difference between ACDF and cervical disc replacement?

A disc replacement acts similar to the body’s own disc and preserves motion, unlike a fusion. It may also help reduce the need for further surgery in the future.

When can I return to normal activities and work?

Those with sedentary jobs are often back at work the following week. Teachers: Works with them to get it done during the summer break so they can get back to work strong.

Will I lose neck mobility after fusion?

Yes, some loss of motion can be expected, however with therapy and exercise, however with therapy mobility can be returned. Dr. Jeyamohan has performed this procedure on professional athletes who have returned the following season to play.

Real reviews from our past patients

We’ve been serving spinal care patients for the past 2 decades. Hear what they have to say about their experience.

“Dr. J was attentive, listened to me and showed that he truly cared about my problems. He explained in details and offered me expert opinions. I love that he treats patients as individual and truly listens.”

Bernice

Patient • from Healthgrades

“After being unhappy with my spine surgeon, I found Dr. J. He explained exactly what was wrong with me, made a game plan, and had his team help out in scheduling. Once he found where the problem was, he got me scheduled, did excellent work, and I was home in a couple days. The scar is WAY SMALLER than my original surgery, which wasn’t even as big! He really is a minimally invasive expert and my recovery was way faster!”

Eddie

Patient • from Healthgrades

“I’ve had 5 different operations on my back in the last decade. Dr. J did number 6. His scar was the smallest, least amount of pain, and for the first time after any surgery I went home the same day. Maybe I’m just getting used to surgery lol!”

Steve W.

Patient • from Healthgrades

“No doubt in my mind Dr. Jeyamohan saved my life.”

Steven C.

Patient • from Healthgrades

“Thank You from the bottom of my heart for getting my active lifestyle back- I’m so happy with the outcome- thank u for being honest about the pain I would experience in the first month of recovery- your bedside manner in the hospital was excellent – your PA Andrea was amazing as well- I would recommend Evergreen Health to everyone and my team of docs was super- Thank U Dr J, Dr Nora, and Dr Ting!! Feels amazing to be standing tall with great posture everyday I’m getting stronger”

Michelle G.

Patient • from Healthgrades

“Kind and thorough. Top quality and felt safe throughout.”

Verified Patient

Review from Healthgrades

“Took the time to explain my pictures and what was wrong with me, and gave me many different options. Answered every single one of my questions and even a few over the phone. Went home the same day and on my way to a full recovery! Office is clean, bright, and everyone was super friendly and helpful! Andrea his assistant has been a treasure!”

Verified Patient

Review from Healthgrades

“Incredibly thorough, took his time to explain and answer all my questions. Gave me plenty of options. I probably visited with him three or four times before committing to surgery, never once did he rush me. Saw me every day in the hospital, walked with me. I’m so thankful I had the surgery with him. I saw two other spine surgeons who didn’t even want to take on such a complicated operation but Dr. J did incredible work and I’m back to walking on my own! I don’t even need a cane anymore”

Verified Patient

Review from Healthgrades

“First, the office was not good. Getting an appointment, scheduling, paperwork, was a nightmare. But once I got in to see Dr. J, it was smooth sailing! He got me the tests I needed, talked to me about treatment options, and helped me set up an injection. We talked about different surgeries, got me scheduled, did great work, and made sure I had follow-up appointments. I’m back to the farm ahead of schedule and back to work. If only I could have got in to see him sooner.”

Verified Patient

Review from Healthgrades

“I have to be honest here and own up. I saw three different spine surgeons and was worried “Dr. Jey” as everyone calls him was too young. I went with someone else who fused three levels in my back. I did horribly with lots of complications. After getting over all my issues, I swallowed my pride and went back to Dr. Jey. He never made me feel bad and graciously took a look at everything, ordered more tests, and showed me what was going on. Bad news, he says he couldn’t undo the fusion. Worse news, it’s now an even bigger operation to fix, and he was honest and said the best we can do is try to get me…”

Verified Patient

Review from Healthgrades

“My experience was excellent. Dr J is very knowledgeable explained everything in a simplified way that made me very comfortable. His staff went above and beyond answer any question I had No matter what the question was. I can’t thank Dr J and his staff enough For helping me get through this spine Injury.”

Jim D.

Patient, 54 • from Google

“I am a 45 year old male who led an active lifestyle when a back injury changed my life. I went from working and being active with my 4 children to suddenly I couldn’t make any movement without excruciating pain. The type of pain I can’t even explain in words. I went to see Dr. Jeyamohan on the referral of my sister who is a physician as well. When I walked into the office the team had already looked at my MRI and explained to me in honest terms that we had an emergency situation on our hands and that delaying surgery was simply not an option. Dr. Jeyamohan Made calls and got me scheduled for emergency back surgery right…”

Eric F.

Patient, 45 • from Google