ANTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION (ACDF) RECOVERY

ANTERIOR CERVICAL FUSION

Spine surgery performed through a small incision on the front of the neck. Your neurosurgeon will remove spinal disc and bone spurs to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. A titanium plate, cage and screws are placed to stabilize the spine. Surgery is often performed as an outpatient with no post operative hospitalization required. The majority of your recovery will happen at home.

Recovery Guide

RECOVERY TIMELINE

  • FIRST FEW DAYS

    • DAY 1: After surgery you will be observed and then discharged home with a family member or friend.
    • PAIN: Expect to have pain in the front of the neck. It should not be debilitating and often similar to a severe sore throat. You may also experience soreness in the back of the neck or even into the shoulders. Start icing the neck when you arrive home to help ease the pain and soreness. Apply ice for 15 minutes every 1 or 2 hours or more as needed.
    • MEDS: Pain medications may be provided by your medical team. Carefully follow the instructions and be sure to take stool softeners while using pain medications.
    • DIET: You will likely have some trouble swallowing certain foods right afer surgery. Stay on a soft diet the first few days. Be sure to stay hydrated.
    • REST: Plan to allow adequate down time for healing. You may be fatigued and need extra rest the first few days.
    • ACTIVITY: You may be placed in a rigid cervical collar after surgery. Wear the collar as directed. If no collar is given, consider using a soft cervical collar. Avoid strenous activity. Try to walk at least twice daily. You may need a cane or walker at first. It is very important to take measures to avoid falling after surgery.

  • WEEKS 1 - 3

    • PAIN: Your pain should quickly improve by the end of the first week. You may have a sore throat at times or soreness in the muscles in the back of the neck. Continue to use ice packs as needed. Consider alternating ice and heat treatments after the first week. A soft cervical collar can be helpful as well.
    • MEDS: Many patients will not need any pain medications after the first week. Discuss transitioning to over the counter pain medications with your medical team.
    • DIET: Continue to slowly advance your diet back to normal as tolerated. There may be some tough foods that you need to avoid.
    • ACTIVITY: Continue to gradually increase the amount you walk each day over the first few weeks. Wear the cervical collar as directed by your provider. Consider wearing a soft cervical collar or using a cervical pillow while sleeping.
    • INCISION: Keep your incision clean and dry. There will likely be numbness around the incision. Take care if shaving near the incision. If skin glue was used, allow the glue to fall off over time.

  • MONTHS 1-3

    • PAIN: Most patients should not have prolonged surgical pain after anterior cervical fusion. You will likely see major improvement in your pain each week. Use ice and heat treatments as needed.
    • DIET: Your swallowing will slowly return to normal over time. Be careful with certain tough or dry foods.
    • PT: After your post operative follow up appointment you may be referred for physical therapy. The therapists will work with you to increase your activity and develop a home exercise regimen.
    • ACTIVITY: Avoid extreme, repetitive movements with the neck. Avoid heavy lifiting as much as possible. Do not attempt to push the mobility of your neck. Consider sleeping in a soft cervical collar. A cervical pillow is also helpful to ensure normal spinal alignment while sleeping.

  • LONG TERM

    • ACTIVITY: You will likely be able to resume many of your normal activities once your fusion has fully healed. You should avoid activities that are high risk for cervical trauma. Discuss when you can return to sports and other strenous activities with your medical team.
    • POSTURE: Try to focus on maintaining normal alignment with your neck. Keep your head centered over your shoulders. Consider sleeping with a cervical pillow to ensure normal alignment at night.
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KEY HOME RECOVERY POINTS

Recovery can be relatively quick and with minimal pain.

Plan to eat soft, esy to swallow foods until swallowing is back to normal.

It is very important to avoid falling after your surgery. Use of a walker or cane may be needed temporarily or even permanently.

Contact your provider if you develop any of the following concerning symptoms:

  • Uncontrolled pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Drainage from the incision
  • New weakness or numbness
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing

This guide is meant to serve as a reference for patients at Coastal Spine Institute, PC and may not be applicable to your surgery. Consult with your medical provider.