Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF) In Bridgewater, NJ

Cervical compression could cause pain at the base of your neck. It could also cause weakness and numbness that extends to your shoulders, arms, and hands. This may even lead to spinal cord compression, which can lead to paralysis or weakness in the legs or arms and loss of bladder or bowel control. Such compression may necessitate an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF).

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we specialize in surgeries involving various parts of the spine, including ACCF. We can conduct minimally-invasive surgery to relieve the pressure in your neck’s cervical region, alleviating the pain and preventing more serious conditions. Come to our Bridgewater, NJ office today to learn more about this procedure.  

What Is Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion? 

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion is an operation done to depressurize the spinal cord and its nerves. It involves the removal of the intervertebral disc material and damaged vertebral bone to decompress the cervical duct. During an ACCF surgery, surgeons will use a frontal approach to access the cervical spine. Since the operation requires the removal of a significant amount of vertebral or disc material to allow for decompression of the neural organs, spinal fusion is often necessary. 

Spinal fusion involves the insertion of a bone graft or its substitute between two or more vertebrae to stimulate bone growth between the two bones. It is a significant part of the procedure that helps to achieve and maintain sufficient decompression in the area. After healing and growing as a single vertebra, the grafted bone further stabilizes the spine and helps to sustain normal disc height.    

What Conditions May Necessitate ACCF? 

Several conditions could necessitate an ACCF procedure, including: 

• Cervical disc herniation: This condition occurs when the inner part of a disc ruptures through the disc’s outer wall. This fractured disc can push against the spinal cord and nerves and could cause severe pain in the arms or neck. 
• Cervical trauma: Acute cervical spine trauma includes several potential injuries to the bones, muscles, ligaments, and spinal cord, leading to compression and instability within the cervical area.  
• Cervical spinal stenosis: This condition is a common cause of severe neck pain, and it occurs when the spinal canal narrows at the neck region. This is largely caused by changes in the neck vertebrae and their joints, causing bone spurs to form, which compress the spinal cord and nerves. 
• Degenerative disc disease: This condition occurs when the cushioning between any two spinal vertebrae wears down. It may be caused by the normal aging process, and in severe cases, triggers the formation of bone spurs.   

Generally, a surgeon may recommend an ACCF when your cervical spine changes or injuries stretch beyond one or more organs. They may first opt for non-operative ways of managing the condition, such as physical therapy and pain medications. However, surgery is typically the best course of treatment when your pain is severe or your spinal cord is compressed and at risk of damage.  

Before making an ACCF recommendation, your surgeon will examine your medical history, spine, and imaging results of your cervical vertebrae, which include an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray. They also consider your age, health condition, lifestyle, and activity level expected after the surgery.       

What to Expect After an Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion Procedure?

An ACCF surgery usually takes a few hours to complete. Here are a few things to take note of after your procedure is completed:   

Postoperative Care

As long as everything goes to plan, you can usually go home four to five days after the operation. However, before that, the medical team will observe and train you to get in and out of bed and walk independently. They may also advise you to avoid bending and twisting your neck for at least four weeks to six weeks to allow the pain to subside and muscles to strengthen. 

Brace

On most occasions, surgeons recommend wearing a cervical collar for several weeks to give the implant ample time to heal. The collar largely helps to minimize stress on the neck region and reduce pain. It also promotes healing by maintaining the neck in a fixed position. 

Return to Work and Sports 

While you can resume light tasks after about four weeks, avoiding heavy work and lifting for several months is advisable. When physical therapy has helped you regain your neck and back strength in six to eight months, and the surgical pain is gone, you can engage in low-impact sports and recreational activities. 

Doctor’s Visits and Follow-Ups 

It is advisable to see your doctor 8-12 days after the surgery for incision inspection and removal of one suture. When necessary, they could refill your medications. After that, you should visit them every 4-6 weeks so that they can take X-rays to confirm the stability and appropriate healing of the fusion region.  

Get Support For Your Back or Neck Pain at NJ Spine & Orthopedic

If your pain has started to impact your daily life, it may be time to see a medical professional. An ACCF procedure can help you heal from your pain and get the help you need for holistic healing.   

Come to NJ Spine & Orthopedic to get the best care for your procedure. Our specialists are board-certified and use the latest medical tools and technology to ensure the best outcomes and quick recovery. Contact us online today or call (866) 553-0612 to arrange a consultation. Our Concierge Team can also help streamline your appointments to mitigate stress.