ACDF
16Pages

Patient Information ACDF Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Table of Contents Anatomy of the Spine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 General Conditions of the Cervical Spine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5 What is an ACDF? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 How is an ACDF performed?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7–8 Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Contraindications, Complications, Warnings and...

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Patient Information This brochure will help you understand more about: • General conditions of the spine • Information about surgical treatment of the cervical spine • What to expect from surgery The decision to receive medical treatment is individualized to the patient and the patient’s symptoms. The information presented within this brochure may not apply to your condition, treatment, or its outcome, as surgical techniques vary and complications can occur. It is important to discuss the viability of this procedure with your physician to decide...

ACDF Patient Information

Anatomy of the Spine The spine is made up of vertebrae and is divided into three main sections: Below the lumbar spine is the sacrum which is comprised of five fused vertebrae. At the end of the spine is the coccyx, or the tailbone. The vertebrae bear the weight of the upper body and provide points of attachment for muscles and ligaments. It also protects the spinal canal (cavity that runs successively through each of the vertebrae and contains the spinal cord) and provides exit points for spinal nerves. The individual vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which act as cushions...

General Conditions of the Cervical Spine Normal disc Bulging disc Degenerative disc Herniated disc ACDF Patient Information

General Conditions of the Cervical Spine (cont'd) What is causing discomfort in my arms and neck? Age, genetics, injury, and everyday wear and tear caused by routine activities can contribute to damage and deterioration of the discs in your neck. Your surgeon may have diagnosed a herniated disc, disc degeneration, spinal stenosis, or loss of disc height as compared to your other discs. Symptoms of these conditions can include loss of motor function and dexterity, tingling or numbness in the arm or hand, and radiating pain, weakness and/or numbness in your shoulders, arms and neck....

What is an ACDF? ACDF stands for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion which is the joining of two bones together. The unhealthy disc is removed, then replaced with a bone graft or synthetic spacer, and a cervical plate with screws is used for stabilization. The primary goal of this procedure is to relieve pressure on either the nerve roots or spinal cord and/or treat a painful disc. The anterior cervical (front of the neck) approach of this surgery allows access for your surgeon to the afflicted area. Spinal column ACDF Patient Information

How is an ACDF Performed? Your surgeon may have recommended an anterior cervical discectomy (surgical removal of an intervertebral disc) and fusion to treat your condition. This section describes how this procedure is performed. A 1—2 inch horizontal incision (a surgical cut made in skin) is made in the anterior (front) of the neck, on either the right or left side. The soft tissues of the neck are gently separated to allow access to the surgical site. Specialized pins are temporarily inserted into the superior (top) and inferior (bottom) vertebrae during the procedure. These are used to...

How is an ACDF performed? (cont'd) Surgical instruments are used to remove the intervertebral disc. A small implant is inserted to fill the vacant disc space and join the vertebrae together. A titanium alloy plate is placed on the surface of the neighboring vertebrae and attached with screws. Over time, the vertebrae can grow together through fusion. This process varies between patients and can take anywhere from a few months up to a couple of years to completely fuse. ACDF Patient Information

Frequently Asked Questions What Should I Expect from Surgery? Treatment with an ACDF may help you return to normal activities. Patients may notice improvement of some or all symptoms, and pain from surgery may diminish between 2 to 4 weeks after surgery. However, recovery time varies between patients. It is the surgeon’s goal for the patient to eventually return to his/her preoperative activities. A positive attitude, reasonable expectations and compliance with your doctor’s post-surgical instructions may all contribute to a satisfactory outcome. When Will I Be Able to Return to Work? The...

Contraindications, Complications, Warnings and Precautions You may be contraindicated (not suitable) for this device if you have an infection, a congenital abnor-mality, are obese, pregnant, mentally ill, diabetic, suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or cancer. As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur following the placement of this device. These can include but are not limited to early or late implant bending, failure, loosening, movement/migration, bone fracture, and allergic reaction to implant material. Other general complications associated with any spinal...

ACDF Patient Information

ACDF Patient Information

Globus Medical Valley Forge Business Center 2560 General Armistead Avenue g LD g |j g Audubon, PA 19403 ©2013 Globus Medical. All rights reserved. Patents pending. Life moves us is a registered trademark of Globus Medical. CAUTION - Investigational Device. Limited by Federal (or United States) law to investigational use.