Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF) in Clifton, NJ

Spine conditions can cause severe back and neck pain that reduces your quality of life. While conservative treatments, such as medication and physical therapy may work for some patients, others require surgery. One of these operations is anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion.

If your doctor recommends an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) in Clifton, NJ, you need a highly qualified surgeon. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we have a team of experienced spine surgeons who perform various surgical procedures. Our Concierge Team can also help streamline your appointments and treatment plan. 

What Is Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion (ACCF)?

Anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion is a surgical procedure performed on the cervical spine to treat certain conditions that cause compression of the spinal cord and the surrounding nerves.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck to access the cervical spine. Then, they carefully remove the damaged vertebral bone, which may be affected by such conditions as herniated discs, spinal tumors, or degenerative disc disease. This decompression helps alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves and relieves neck pain, numbness, and weakness.

After the procedure, the surgeon fills the space that remains after material removal with a bone graft. They may take this bone from the patient’s body or get it from a donor. The bone graft serves as a biological scaffold to help two vertebrae fuse together. In some cases, the surgeon may have to place metal plates and screws to provide additional stability during the fusion process.

Over time, the bone graft and adjacent vertebrae fuse together to create a solid bridge that stabilizes the cervical spine. This fusion helps maintain proper alignment and prevents abnormal motion between the vertebrae. The main goals of ACCF are to alleviate pain, improve spinal stability, and restore normal spinal function.

Indications You May Need Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion

Your doctor may recommend ACCF if you have a cervical spine condition that causes instability of the spinal cord or compression of the nerves. Some of these conditions are:

• Cervical Disc Herniation: This is when a herniated disc in the cervical spine causes severe compression of the spinal cord or surrounding nerves.
• Cervical Spinal Stenosis: This occurs when the narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical spine puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Cervical Spondylosis: Also known as degenerative disc disease, cervical spondylosis refers to the wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints in the neck.
• Cervical Spinal Tumors: These tumors or abnormal growths in the cervical spine cause spinal cord compression or instability.
• Cervical Trauma or Fractures: Severe cervical trauma or fractures can result in spinal cord injury or instability.

If you have any of these conditions, your doctor is likely to try conservative options, such as pain medication, physical therapy, activity modifications, and spinal injections. In the case that your symptoms don’t get better after a few months of conservative treatment, you could be a good candidate for ACCF.

Before recommending the procedure, your surgeon will review your medical history, imaging results, your current health condition, and potential risks.

The Benefits of Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion

If your surgeon recommends an ACCF, they believe that conservative treatments and less complex procedures can’t help with your condition. During an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion, the surgical team can get a better look at the damaged area and gain direct access to your spine.   

During this procedure, the surgeon can effectively remove the damaged spine materials and relieve the pressure on the spinal cord and the surrounding nerve roots. This decompression can alleviate such symptoms as neck pain, arm pain, numbness, and weakness. By relieving pressure, ACCF in Clifton, New Jersey can improve your neurological function. This may reduce pain and solve mobility issues. Meanwhile, fusion also helps to maintain proper alignment, stability, and strength of the cervical spine.

Overall, when other methods fail or don’t bring the desired results, ACCF can restore your quality of life. While ACCF is a complex surgery that’s usually performed under general anesthesia, it can offer multiple benefits for people with serious spine conditions.  

Discuss an Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion in Clifton, NJ Today

If you believe that you are a good candidate for an anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion in Clifton, NJ, it’s important to partner with a qualified surgeon to perform the operation.

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we have a team of highly skilled and board-certified spine surgeons, whose main focus is improving our patients’ quality of life. If there are less invasive options than ACCF available, we will discuss them with you before suggesting an open surgery. To explore your options, contact us online or call us at (866) 553-0612 to schedule a consultation today.