ACDF stands for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion. It’s a surgical procedure used to treat conditions affecting the cervical spine (neck region), such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis.

During an ACDF procedure, the surgeon accesses the cervical spine through the front of the neck (anterior approach) and removes the damaged disc or discs that are causing compression on the spinal nerves or spinal cord. After the disc is removed, the space between the vertebrae is usually filled with a bone graft or a small implant to promote fusion, or the joining together of the adjacent vertebrae.

Additionally, the surgeon may use plates, screws, or other spinal instrumentation to stabilize the spine during the fusion process. ACDF surgery aims to relieve pain, restore stability, and maintain proper alignment of the cervical spine.